Advocacy
As an Association representing over 4,700 water professionals, advocacy has always been a key part of our program and service delivery, aimed at raising the profile of this sector and facilitating conversations between our members and key decision-makers.
Advocacy is now an overarching priority within BCWWA’s current Strategic Plan , with the intent to raise awareness of our role as a voice for the BC and Yukon water community and elevate issues critical to this sector. To us, being a voice means connecting the One Water sector workforce with elected officials, policymakers and government staff in areas of mutual priority.
How the BCWWA approaches advocacy:
To Educate & Inform
For the elected and administrative arms of government who make decisions about our water, the BCWWA is the first point of contact for decision-makers who want to understand the expert opinion of the BC and Yukon water community and keep informed of the issues and developments relevant to the sector. We are here to bring a seat to the table when such decisions are being made. We work closely with sector partners to distribute information and learnings, develop sector insights and innovation and build a well-rounded understanding of the water and wastewater workforce in Canada.
Ways to get involved:
To Contribute to Policy & Legislation Development
Water management is shaped by water governance, which is enacted at all levels of government in Canada. This includes all laws, regulations, policies and procedures used by agencies and institutions to make decisions about water resources. Governance also includes the ways research, science, feedback and traditional knowledge inform these processes.
The BCWWA is committed to being a voice for the industry by delivering sector insights, research, best practices and workforce data to support informed decision-making and engage members within Canada’s water policy and regulatory environment.
Ways to get involved:
To Support & Facilitate Technical Responses
A technical review is part of BCWWA’s committee and community of practice function. It is an opportunity for water professionals who hold substantial technical expertise in a particular area of water management to engage with the regulatory process at a federal level and provide feedback on incoming water regulations. The BCWWA supports members with the collection, consolidation and preparation of a regulatory response for distribution to the inquiring government bodies and appropriate contacts.
Ways to get involved:
To Create Opportunities for Meaningful Engagement
The BCWWA recognizes the deep professional expertise, qualifications and industry knowledge that exists within our membership. We also acknowledge that a lasting and trusted professional relationship begins with a conversation. That is why the BCWWA is committed to connecting our membership with all levels of government and intersecting industries. Our advocacy initiatives include opportunities for elected officials to speak at BCWWA events, such as our annual conference and Yukon workshop so that they can address members directly and meet with delegates during networking opportunities.
Ways to get involved: