Strengthening Canada’s freshwater data network: Water Institute participates in CWA workshop
Several Water Institute faculty members recently took part in the National Freshwater Data Strategy Workshop hosted by the Canada Water Agency (CWA) on September 25–26 in Burlington, Ontario.
The workshop attracted data collectors, creators, owners, and users to discuss the challenges and priorities surrounding freshwater data management in Canada. Participants explored ways to enhance the accessibility and usability of freshwater data for Canadians.
Representing the University of Waterloo were Water Institute members Dr. Juliane Mai, Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen, Dr. Nandita Basu, and Nancy Goucher. PhD student Jess Kidd also attended and facilitated several breakout sessions.
A key message shared by the University of Waterloo delegation was that academic institutions play an important role in developing best practices for research data management and can support community-based monitoring programs and practices.
“We were pleased to contribute to this important workshop, which will help advance freshwater data sharing and management across Canada. It’s vital that the CWA recognizes the significant role academic institutions play in gathering, analyzing, and preserving freshwater data,” said Philippe Van Cappellen, Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Ecohydrology.
Juliane Mai, Research Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences highlighted the importance of data management training for early career researchers. “Students are expected to share the data they collect, but identifying where and how to store it can be a real challenge.”
Nandita Basu, Canada Research Chair in Global Water Sustainability and Ecohydrology, stressed the need for greater collaboration between academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and the government. “Our strengths are different, and only by working together can we achieve the dream of a pan-Canadian water data system that can allow us to manage our waters better.”
The workshop’s plenary sessions addressed topics such as Indigenous Data Sovereignty, data management within the Government of Canada and a potential framework for the National Freshwater Data Strategy. Breakout groups focused on fostering community collaboration, implementing practical solutions, driving data innovation and shaping future strategies.
Through the Water Institute, the University of Waterloo continues to engage with the CWA as it refines its mandate and charts its path forward. “The Water Institute has been an important link between the university and this new government agency. Our role allows us to showcase the exceptional research and reputation we’ve built in the water domain in Canada and around the world,” explained Roy Brouwer, Executive Director of the Water Institute.
The Water Institute has been an important link between the university and this new government agency. Our role allows us to showcase the exceptional research and reputation we’ve built in the water domain in Canada and around the world.
Presentations during the National Freshwater Data Strategy Workshop hosted by the Canada Water Agency.