The Politics of Policymaking
Effective policy development is a complex process. This is particularly true in the case of water in which multiple water uses compete for priority. Within this context, evidence-based decision-making is essential to informed and appropriate water-related policy development. Incorporation of the most current research is an integral part of this process.
Speakers: Dr. Alex T. Bielak (UNU-INWEH), Dr. Ahmed Shafiqul (McMaster University), Mr. Carl Griffith (Former Assistant Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Environment)
The Wishing Well: Where Maternal Health and Water Intersect
With the global focus on maternal health and its slow progress towards improvement in many parts of the world, the issue of water and its availability (especially in light of climate change) is one that cannot be overlooked when examining the determinants of maternal health. Dr. Chamberlain and Dr. Nakabembe discuss some of the many ways that water directly and indirectly impacts maternal/infant health.
Speakers: Dr. Jean Chamberlain (Save the Mothers), Dr. Eve Nakabembe (Save the Mothers)
Arsenic Exposure of the Rural Poor in Bangladesh
Arsenic-related impacts continue to be important health concern in rural Bangladesh, with considerable effort still being extended to attenuate the exposure. Examples of assessments which are showing promise will be discussed, including: Rainwater harvesting; arsenic iron removal plants; food types and food preparation activities which influence exposure scenarios; and, using relationships between arsenicosis and arsenic in groundwater to identify areas where the risks are greatest which are proving of value but aren’t as effective as originally hoped. The summary demonstrates that there is much room for improvement.
Speaker: Edward A. McBean (Canada Research Chair in Water Supply & University of Guelph)
View the video below to listen to Mr. McBean’s lecture.
Water and Environmental Health in Ontario: How Far Have We Come Since Walkerton?
Theresa McClenaghan, one of the CELA lawyers representing the Concerned Walkerton Citizens in the Walkerton Inquiry, will briefly review what led to the tragedy in that community and what needed to change in protecting Ontario’s drinking water system. Theresa will then highlight what has happened since then to assure much better protection of drinking water in Ontario. Finally, Theresa will outline the changes that are still underway, and the balance of her talk will focus on the things that still need to happen to adequately protect drinking water for all Ontarians. In particular, drinking water issues relating to various contexts such as small, remote, rural, non-municipal, and First Nation communities will be reviewed.
Speaker: Theresa McClenaghan (Canadian Environmental Law Association)
Management of Water Utilities in the Arab Region: Challenges and Solutions
The water sector in the Arab region suffers from chronic problems, such as water scarcity, weak water and environmental policies, high investment needs, lack of management and technical capacity, increasing demand due to growing populations, and conflict. Here comes the necessity to engage professionals in utilities from the Arab countries in a dialogue that extends across the borders within the Arab world. This presentation will talk about the problems and challenges facing water and wastewater utilities in the Arab region and what are the alternatives and solutions that should be done to overcome these problems and provide better water supply and sanitation services.
Speaker: H.E. Eng. Khaldon Khashman (Secretary General of ACWUA)
Ilngwesi: How to Animate a Community towards Health Care Progress
In 2007, a Maasai Community in Kenya stated their desire to “get HIV/AIDS under control,” throughout their 50 km by 50 km area of land. A team of volunteers from North America joined a team of local volunteers to figure out what that might look like. Miriam will share the story of how facilitation methods were combined with local knowledge and understanding to successfully implement a community-wide, awareness, and voluntary testing campaign that has proven to be sustainable.
Speaker: Miriam E. Patterson (International Family Literacy Initiative, ICA Canada)