This year’s theme for World Water Day, set by UN-Water, is a thought-provoking one: “Water and Gender.” They provide an activation kit for people around the world to learn more about the gender aspects of water issues around the world and begin to act.
The theme links two of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: “to ensure safe water and sanitation for all,” and “to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”
Water is a human right. Water is Life: The principles and slogans are familiar.But let’s bring it closer to home. What does water mean for UCTE members?
Canada is rich in water resources. When you stop to think about it, relationships between federal public service work and water are multi-faceted. We represent :
- Transport Canada workers who help ensure compliance with policies that protect waterways for marine transport,
- Parks Canada workers operating canals to facilitate transportation, protect communities, and sustain hydroelectric generation,
- Workers at Ports and Pilotage Authorities who help keep marine passengers and cargo running smoothly and safely—in accordance with environmental protections,
- Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response workers, crew on Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, and on icebreakers,
- Natural Resources Canada workers who provide support for scientific expeditions and research projects,
- and more.
For so many of our members, the cleanliness and security of our water resources is literally in your hands – every day. Today we recognize and appreciate these roles.
