Canadian and Shared Freshwater Resources in an International Context: A Discussion of Canadian International Legal Perspectives

The International Law Association of Canada (ILA-Canada) was pleased to host a webinar panel discussion on “Canadian and Shared Freshwater Resources in an International Context: A Discussion of Canadian International Legal Perspectives”, on March 11, 2026.The roundtable brought together Canadian legal scholars and practitioners to exchange perspectives on key questions of international law surrounding Canada’s (transboundary) freshwater resources.

The discussion proved engaging and thought-provoking, offering valuable insights into transboundary freshwater governance in Canada. Topics addressed included:

• Transboundary water cooperation, notably through the work of the International Joint Commission (IJC)

• The modernization of the Columbia River Treaty

• Involvement of Indigenous peoples in relation to transboundary freshwater governance

• Bulk water removals

• International water law and illustrations from other transboundary contexts

• AI data centres and virtual water

• Challenges and opportunities for Canada in terms of transboundary water cooperation

• The broader role of international law in shaping the governance of Canada’s freshwater resources

The panel members were:

Merrell-Ann Phare, Canadian Commissioner, International Joint Commission (IJC)

Nigel Bankes, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Calgary

Richard K. Paisley, Honorary Research Associate, Institute of Asian Research, UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs

Riley T. Denoon, Co-Director, International Waters Governance Research Initiative (IWGRI)

Chair: Oonagh E. Fitzgerald, ILA-Canada

Moderator: Marguerite de Chaisemartin, ILA-Canada

A thank you to the esteemed panelists, all those who were able to attend live, and those who contributed thoughtful questions to the discourse.The video recording of the event is available below: