Blue Summit: Water is a human right

Over a weekend at the end of November, more than 300 participants came together in Ottawa for the Blue Summit. The event -- organized by the Council of Canadians and CUPE -- marked the 10th anniversary of "Water Watch", and highlighted Canada's place in the growing dilemma over freshwater preservation and ownership. Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow is the loudest voice of the water justice movement. As part of a panel discussion at the summit, moderator Morna Ballantyne asked her how governments are responding to the demand that water be recognized as a universal right. Following Barlow's response, additional opinions and plans of action were offered by other delegates.