POWI - Program on Water Issues

Congenial relations between the United States and Canada have long been a source of pride for both countries. We characteristically speak about being each other's largest trading partners, and about the degree to which we have a shared, peaceful border. Over the years, the two countries have created a number of mechanisms for dealing with cross-boundary environmental matters relating to air, water and migratory wildlife...

The United States is now the world's largest energy user, and is rapidly becoming a net importer of energy. Much of this energy shortfall comes from Canada. Canada now supplies the United States with 24.2 per cent of its total energy needs in the form of natural gas, oil and electricity, and has replaced Saudi Arabia as the number one supplier of oil to the United States...

Although most of its work has focused on Canada-US Transboundary Water Issues, since its formation in 2001, POWI has been asked to conduct research on some other important water-related issues...

The Program On Water Issues (POWI) creates opportunities for members of the private, public, academic, and not-for-profit sectors to join in collaborative research, dialogue, and education.

The Program is dedicated to giving voice to those who would bring transparency and breadth of knowledge to the understanding and protection of Canada's valuable water resources. Since 2001, The Program On Water Issues has provided the public with analysis, information, and opinion on a range of important and emerging water issues.

Its location within the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto provides access to rich analytic resources, state-of-the-art information technology, and international expertise.

The Canadian Water Issue Council (CWIC) includes many of Canada’s most knowledgeable water experts and former senior water policy makers. It was formed in 2007 to conduct policy research, within a university setting, on the topic of Canada/United States transboundary water issues. CWIC members act as advisors to the Program on Water Issues at the Munk School of Global Affairs (formerly the Munk Centre for International Studies) at the University of Toronto. They bring technical expertise, political experience, a passion for water issues and a network of senior government, academic, industry and media contacts.

Current members: