| Water is quintessential to humanity's living systems. Ironically, our physical world's dependency upon freshwater has led society in an unwise direction. Canada and its respective supply of freshwater is currently in a precarious position with respect to worldwide freshwater scarcity. As the water crisis escalates, Canada's sovereignty over its most valuable natural resource will undoubtedly be challenged. The complexity of whether or not to export freshwater has been, and will always remain a very contentious, controversial, and polarizing subject within Canada. In theory, exporting freshwater from the Great Lakes is conceivable, however, the consequences and impacts with respect to diversions and withdrawals are irrefutable. The implications of such an undertaking require future leaders to take into consideration all three imperatives of sustainable development---ecological, social, and economic---when developing policies to protect and safeguard Canada's freshwater resources for present and future generations alike. |
