Protecting the Mackenzie River: The Canada Water Agency invests over $1 million in 6 new freshwater projects

Press Release

From: Canada Water Agency

February 12, 2026

As the largest watershed in Canada, the Mackenzie River Basin spans five provinces and territories. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities. The river also plays a major economic role, supporting key sectors like agriculture, forestry, resource extraction, and hydroelectricity.

However, the health of the river basin is challenged by impacts to water quality, quantity and traditional use due to industrial activities, and by climate change impacts such as increasing sediment from melting permafrost and changes to aquatic species. Investing in the health of Canada’s freshwater ecosystems ensures a water secure future for Canada, benefiting the economy, the environment, and our health and well-being.

Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency is announcing an investment of over $1 million dollars in six new projects focused on protecting and restoring the health of the Mackenzie River.

These projects are funded through the Canada Water Agency’s Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, a part of Canada’s strengthened Freshwater Action Plan. The projects address key priorities that have been shaped through the ongoing collaboration with the Mackenzie River Basin Board, and through dialogue with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners.

Among the recipients:

• Aurora College is receiving $198,950 over two years to advance the development of a permafrost-lake landsystem to better understand environmental characteristics of lakes and their responses to climate change. This project, taking place in Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Yellowknife and Behchoko in the Northwest Territories, will also show how sensitive the different types of permafrost lakes are to climate shifts. This will help communities and decision-makers plan and monitor watersheds more effectively.
• Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board is receiving $196,326 over two years to study the health of freshwater ecosystems in the Northwest Territories. Water samples, sediment cores, and aquatic life will be examined to better understand long-term changes in water quality. The findings will help show how these changes affect the health of the freshwater ecosystem that support traditional food security of Gwich’in and Dene families. This work will also support local communities in building the skills and knowledge needed to monitor freshwater health and the impacts of climate change on traditional food security.

The projects announced today will create lasting social, ecological and economic value by helping local and Indigenous communities build capacity to better understand and protect their freshwater ecosystems and by building resilience around the impacts of climate change.

Through the new Canada Water Agency, the Government of Canada enhances coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in the Mackenzie River and across the country. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a cleaner, more secure, and more prosperous future for all Canadians.

Quotes

“Protecting the Mackenzie River is about more than just safeguarding our environment—it’s about supporting the health, food security, and cultural traditions of northern and Indigenous communities. By investing in these freshwater projects, we’re empowering local action to restore and protect this vital ecosystem, while strengthening the economy and building resilience to climate change for generations to come.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency

Quick facts

• The Mackenzie River Basin is the largest in Canada, spanning approximately 1.8 million km²—about 20% of the country’s total landmass. It extends across parts of five provinces and territories.
• There are approximately 400,000 residents in the Mackenzie River Basin, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
• Rich in ecological diversity, cultural and spiritual value, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Mackenzie River Basin was estimated at $41.5 billion annually in 2005, and the natural capital value from ecological goods and services, such as carbon storage and water filtration estimated at $448 billion annually.
• This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $650 million commitment over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan to protect and restore critical freshwater resources.
• The Canada Water Agency leads the delivery of Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives in eight waterbodies of national significance across Canada: The Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, the St. Lawrence River, the Wolastoq/Saint John River, the Fraser River, the Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.

Associated links

• Protecting the Mackenzie River: The Canada Water Agency invests over $1 million in 6 freshwater projects
• Funding for the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
• Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
• Canada Water Agency

Contacts

Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature
343-552-2387
Keean.Nembhard@ec.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canada Water Agency
media@cwa-aec.gc.ca

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