WASC401A - Water Policy and Legislation (Winter 2027)

Position Summary

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This focuses on the governance of water resources. The understanding of how the water sector manages and uses will be developed at local, regional and national scales using case studies and examples from different jurisdictions. The role of the public and private sectors and the influence of social, political and economic forces in shaping water resources management will be emphasized.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe key water policy and legislation in Canada and how it fits into water management initiatives.
• Identify and critically assess the main forces and issues influencing water policy and legislation.
• Describe current water management strategies and recognize current challenges and opportunities for future improvements.
• Understand and critically assess how water policy and legislation can contribute to future sustainable development and environmental management.
• Apply this knowledge to case studies.
• Critically analyze scientific research and popular media.
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate environmental science.

Topics Covered:

Policy development and definitions; origins of environmental protection in Canada; introduction to Canadian water policy and factors contributing to it; public participation; Indigenous peoples and water governance; the Fisheries Act; the Canada Water Act; the Canada National Parks Act; environmental impact assessments; environmental risk assessments; drinking water, bottled water, and water valuation; international and transboundary issues; industrial and urban water issues; monitoring water; cumulative effects assessment; resource management and sustainability; the future of water protection.

Qualifications – Required Academic Degree: PhD

Qualifications – Required Discipline: Biological Sciences

Qualifications – Required Areas of Specialization: Water Policy and Legislation

Salary: $10,212.40

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026

Submit with Application:

Required for All Applicants

• CV (required)

Required for External Applicants

• Names and Contact Information for Referees
• Evidence of Good Teaching
• Verification of highest degree

Optional

• Cover Letter
• Teaching Dossier
• Sample Course Outline

Note: A Cover Letter is not expected (unless noted as required) as the CAF will include information that is typically included in a Cover Letter.

Applications may be addressed to:

Dr. Matt Smith

Chair, Department of Biology

Wilfrid Laurier University

Waterloo, Ontario

To Apply:

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This appointment is in accordance with the , for which the Wilfrid Laurier Faculty Association (WLUFA) is the exclusive bargaining agent.All applicants are assessed using both the “Appendix H: Assessment of CTF Candidates under 13.6.1” in the collective agreement and the . Candidates should review these documents and ensure the information required is easily accessible in the application.

Please Note:

Assessment of your application will be based primarily on the . The Part-time Appointment Committee is only required to review the CAF, Curriculum Vitae, and any specifically referenced pages in a supplemental document(s) to ensure fair assessment of each candidate.

is used to apply to an individual posting and must be submitted with each application. The completed form is to be uploaded with all other application materials by the deadline listed in the course posting. Refer to Appendix I of the for further guidance about completing the CAF and Appendix H for details on how this form will be scored.

For Supplementary Remuneration for marking and grading allowance, see Article 28.2, and coordination of large classes or multi-section courses, see Article 28.3

Pursuant to Article 13.5 of the Collective Agreement for Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) and Part-time Librarians, all applicants shall apply electronically. Applications must be received by 23:59 local time of the date on the posting.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at . Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contract Equity and Accessibility at . We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posted in an alternative format, please contact Faculty Relations at .

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Members of the equity-deserving groups must self-identify to the appropriate Dean(s) to be considered for employment equity.

All course offerings will be contingent on adequate student registration and subject to budgetary funding.

Members of the Contract Teaching Faculty bargaining unit:

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online.

All applications shall be reviewed and considered under a set of criteria established by the part-time hiring committee. Only those applicants recommended for a position will be contacted.