The establishment of a federal water agency was a part of the Liberal platform during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's campaign for both the 2019 and 2021 elections.
In November 2023, legislation formally establishing the agency was tabled by Freeland as part of the 2023 Fall Economic Statement.
[9] The agency's first major actions are to implement the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative and lead the modernization of the Canada Water Act.
It also provides policy advice and expertise, an example of which is the modernization of the Canada Water Act, the agency's first major initiative.
These include EcoAction, a program that provides grants to nonprofit, non-governmental organizations for local projects that improve water quality and freshwater ecosystem health.