Essay On Access To Water In Canada

For hundreds and thousands of years, access to water has been an easy thought. It has become something that we don’t have to think twice about. As many of us know, water is a renewable source because of the water cycle. Canada has an abundant amount of water resources, with almost 20% of the world’s fresh water in our lakes, though approximately 12% is inaccessible. However, not everyone can obtain water that is clean enough for simple day to day activities such as cleaning, bathing, and drinking. Large cities like Toronto and Vancouver have functioning pipes that filter water for residents to use while Indigenous communities often struggle with maintaining water that is safe and clean.
In Southern Canada, there is one of the biggest oil sand reserves in Alberta: The Athabasca Oil Sands. This reservoir contains

In Northern Alberta where the Mikisew Cree live, oil and toxic pollutants flow into Lake Athabasca from the deposits. Lake Athabasca is an extremely important lake to many indigenous communities because it provides resources such as fish for them to eat, which is an essential component of their diet. The lake is also a source of water for the residents who use it for multiple routines and chores. Many locals have stated that no one eats fish from Lake Athabasca nowadays because they are aware of the dangers. As proven, researchers discovered that fish and animals in nearby water sources contained a high concentration of toxic contaminants. Consuming the pollutants can lead to them contracting serious illnesses. Health clinics near the reservoir have reported patients seeking medical attention for rashes and itches after taking a shower or coming in contact with the water itself on a daily basis. Members of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) have voiced their concerns for their people, as the polluted water poses to be a possibly life-threatening