Alberta Wilderness Association criticizing province for Drought Advisory Committee members

In a media release on February 8, the AWA criticized the choice of representatives on the panel, pointing out that it does not include any representation from environmental organizations, but included representatives such as Anderson.

Representatives from AWA said the province seemed to prioritize municipalities and business interests when creating the council, when agriculture and irrigation hold licenses for nearly 50 percent of Alberta’s allocated freshwater. The oil and gas industry and municipalities hold around 12 percent each

Phillip Meintzer, Conservation Specialist with Alberta Wilderness Association said, “It’s important for Albertans and our leaders to recognize that water is not solely a resource meant for human consumption. A significant amount of water needs to be left in rivers and streams for the maintenance and sustainability of healthy aquatic ecosystems and the wildlife who rely on them.”

The AWA is encouraging the Government of Alberta to expand the membership of this Drought Advisory Committee to include more diverse representation, including environmental interests, as well as expanding its Indigenous membership.

As of January 4, water storage is drastically below normal levels at the Oldman, St. Mary, Pine Coulee, and Waterton reservoirs.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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by Christian Oldale

Alberta Wilderness Association criticizing province for Drought Advisory Committee members

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