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WATER, SOURCE
OF LIFE
Our water
resources, such as rain, streams, lakes, the St-Lawrence River, as well as
groundwater reserves, are threatened by industrial, agricultural and
municipal sources of pollution. Artesian and surface wells have become
unusable, aquifers are drawn down faster than they are recharged, water
distribution systems face infrastructure and privatization challenges, and
economic incentives for water conservation are rare. For better or for
worse, water is increasingly treated as a commodity.
In 1998, a
group of citizens decided to actively intervene in water management issues,
and founded the “Eau Secours!” coalition. We invite you now to join the
thousands of concerned individuals who recognize the threats to water
quantity, quality, and the associated mismanagement of this resource.
This
non-profit coalition is devoted to questioning current trends in water
management, as well as promoting responsible management focused on equity,
accessibility, public health, sustainable development, and collective
sovereignty over this vital and strategic resource.
Our focus:
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Through the
ecosystem approach, relate all elements contributing to the survival of
all living things;
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Actively
engage in a critical, argued reflection attentive to the various demands
on water in social, national, and international contexts, and see that
emerging conflicts are exposed transparently and clearly within a
framework of open public debate;
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Contribute
to the establishment of a “Water Law” with appropriate regulations and
required budget for its implementation;
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Support
citizen committees subscribing to the fight for the protection of water;
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Help in the
educating of members, and in the sensitization of the public
WATER! NOT A
DROP TOO MUCH
Always
vigilant, the coalition remains opposed to projects involving the
exploitation of groundwater reserves that compromise access, in quality and
quantity, and continues to fight against water privatization projects.
Concerned
about coherent and effective public management, “Eau Secours!” denounces the
absence of rigorous upstream interventions on industrial and agricultural
pollution, and demands quality guidelines preserving population and
ecosystem health. The coalition opposes bulk water exportation projects and
demands that water be removed from international commercial treaties.
WATER, OUR
SHARED WEALTH
The coalition
recognizes that access to water constitutes a fundamental human right.
As a result of
its hard work, “Eau Secours!” comprises a large and diverse set of pupils,
in addition to the experience and expertise of its many volunteers. The
coalition progressively establishes itself as a privileged representative in
the public sphere. Since its inception, it has received constant media
attention, has participated in numerous public debates, conferences, and
forums as well as organized educational activities. The coalition’s
publications and fundraiser shows sensitize the public on the principal
issues regarding water.
Our internet
site updated daily, is used for
communication between members.
The democratic
functioning of the coalition allows the grouping of citizens according to
Electoral College, such as environmental groups, social and community
groups, citizen committees, unions, researchers, and water carriers (Water
Messengers). In becoming a member, you will
participate in the Electoral College of Individuals.
Your
participation will contribute in our effort to have a “Water Law” adopted in
the public’s interest and in a context of sustainable development.
Citation by Anne Sylvestre – author/composer and “Eau Secours!” Water Messenger:
“Between all the world’s waters I know they are connected And that in the
smallest pool there is the hope of a lake.”
Citation by : Gilles Vigneault – author/composer and “Eau Secours!” Water Messenger:
“The source
that makes the stream does not ask a salary. The source that makes the
stream, The stream does not sell its water. The stream emerging from the
rocks, the stream that makes the river, that offers drink to the hare, the
wolf, and asks nothing in return."
TO “SOS Water Coalition EAU SECOURS!” REGISTRATION FORM
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