Canada enhances Wolastoq/Saint John River health with over $2.3 million investment in science and nutrient reduction

Press Release

From: Canada Water Agency

Today, Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, announced an investment of over $2.3 million in 14 partner-led projects to protect and restore the Wolastoq/Saint John River.

The Wolastoq/Saint John River is more than water. For the Wolastoqiyik people, the Wolastoq (or “Beautiful and Bountiful River”) is part of their identity, language and culture. The river also supports critical economic sectors like hydroelectricity, agriculture, forestry, food manufacturing, and tourism. Moreover, its watershed is home to more than half of New Brunswick residents.

These projects are funded through the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, a part of the strengthened Freshwater Action Plan. The investment targets key priorities, including excess nutrient reduction, science and knowledge advancement, and support for Indigenous-led efforts to understand and address water quality issues.

Among the recipients:

• Maliseet Nation Conservation Council (MNCC) is receiving $195,000 over 2 years to train Wolastoqey community members to conduct water quality monitoring and analysis throughout the watershed, and to address the impacts of excess nutrients, harmful algal blooms, and pollutants on river health.
• Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc. is receiving nearly $133,000 over 3 years to assess per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals”, in the lower Wolastoq/Saint John River.
• Nature New Brunswick is receiving $100,000 over 3 years to engage local farmers and landowners in adopting farming practices that will reduce nutrient inputs and improve the health of the the Wolastoq/Saint John River.

The Canada Water Agency (CWA) is committed to achieving positive and measurable impacts in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed. Investments through the Freshwater Action Plan—combined with Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and community involvement—will help ensure the protection of this vital resource for years to come.

Quotes

“Numerous stressors are impacting the health of the Wolastoq/Saint John River freshwater ecosystem, including agricultural, industrial, and urban activities. Its protection is crucial to many Indigenous communities and people living within its watershed. With strong community support, these local projects will enhance water quality and broader ecosystem health.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“The Wolastoq is central to the culture, identity, and stewardship responsibilities of the Wolastoqey Nations. This project will strengthen our ability to address nutrient pollution, harmful algal blooms, and broader ecological challenges by bringing together Indigenous Knowledge and scientific research. With this support, MNCC can advance meaningful, evidence-based action to protect the health and integrity of the Wolastoq for future generations.”
– Aruna Jayawardane, Executive Director, Maliseet Nation Conservation Council

“Thanks to this funding through the Canada Water Agency, the Belleisle Watershed Coalition can advance work to assess per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the lower Saint John (Wolastoq) River. Learning about the impacts of these “forever chemicals” is crucial to the long-term health of the river. This initiative also provides an opportunity to build partnerships and engage local communities on PFAS and water protection.”
– Colin Forsythe, Executive Director, Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc.

“Nature NB in partnership with the Nashwaak Watershed Association are thrilled to use this CWA funding to continue working directly with local agricultural landowners to protect freshwater quality while improving farm productivity. Our work will play a critical role in reducing nutrient runoff and retaining soil on farms by enhancing naturalized riparian buffers, leading to reduced levels of erosion, sedimentation, and runoff into the Wolastoq watershed.”
– Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director Nature NB

Quick facts

• The Wolastoq/Saint John River is an international and interprovincial waterway that flows 673 km through New Brunswick, Quebec, and Maine.
• This Canadian Heritage River covers 55,000 km² and falls within the traditional territory of the Wolastoqey people.
• Over half of New Brunswick’s population lives within the watershed and approximately 20% of those living in the watershed rely on the river as a source of drinking water.
• The Canada Water Agency is partnering with Indigenous communities and local organizations to drive meaningful change in protecting the water quality and ecological health of the Wolastoq/Saint John River.
• 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 funded projects are recipients of the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 intake periods.
• Under the Freshwater Action Plan, 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

• Backgrounder: Canada enhances Wolastoq/Saint John River health with over $2.3 million investment in science and nutrient reduction
• Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
• Funding freshwater action in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed
• Projects funded under the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
• Canada Water Agency

Contacts
Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the 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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