Our Water Relationship with the USA?

I just got back from the AWWA’s ACE event in Denver.  It was my first trip to the US since their election.  All seemed fairly normal.  I had no troubles with my travels – passing US Security in Toronto, and the AWWA event was as spectacular as ever.  Almost every American I met apologized for the current situation and expressed their love, and respect, for Canada.  The only difference was the very noticeable lack of Canadians.  I, like most Canadians, have been limiting my travels to the US.  Our annual family ski trip to New Hampshire slid north to Quebec – and we had a terrific vacation!  I backed out of a few other events that were not critical, but for me, attending ACE was very important to maintain our relationship with the AWWA.  I will be doing the same this fall when I attend WEFTEC in Chicago and renew our bonds with WEF. 

Many Canadian water professionals have been directed NOT to attend events in the USA and our absence was certainly felt in Denver. I hope that my attendance, and that of several other association staff, help assure our partners that our issues are not with AWWA or WEF, but with the policies of the USA Administration.

For over 100 years, Canada and the USA have developed an integrated water sector for chemicals, equipment, engineering, research and training… and friendships.  As water and wastewater professionals, most of us are members of either WEF or AWWA, or both.   (These are global organizations that are headquartered in the USA, but each of us joins through our provincial or regional section/member association.)  This has created one large, and very harmonious water community, sharing critical research, knowledge-sharing and training.   Each of us must clarify to our Councils that we are joining our provincial association here in Canada, that serves us in Canada, and not just joining an American association.  The services and training and networks provided by these Canadian sections/member associations is critical, and there is no quick replacement.  CWWA is NOT a replacement for what AWWA and WEF provide – we don’t do that essential training or guidance or provide the required CEU’s.  Instead, CWWA focuses on the one area that AWWA and WEF cannot – and that is on Canadian federal policy, programs and legislation.  WEF actually contributes financially to CWWA’s ongoing advocacy work in Ottawa.    

So, together, we will maintain our relationship.  AWWA and WEF are working to find effective ways to get their services to Canadians without us having to go down there. Maybe this will lead to an even stronger relationship.

Conference Dollars Staying in Canada

All that said, I’m not shy to take advantage of the current situation and suggest that maybe this is the year you spend your conference dollars in Canada.  If you’ve got unspent conference funds in your budget, please consider using those funds to try Canada’s Water Management Conference – the National Water & Wastewater Conference – in Victoria, November 2-5.

The program is now posted online.  Registration is Open.  Hotels are ready to take your reservations.  And I am planning the funniest networking event of the year!

Robert