The Past, Present and Future of Collective-Action to Address Water Related Issues in the Fraser Basin

Abstract: The enactment of the Water Sustainability Act by the province of British Columbia, Canada, in 2016 signals a shift towards a more decentralized and localized approach to water governance in the province. In this context, this thesis explores the history of development in the socio- ecologically significant Fraser Basin and identifies that a unique and successful form of collective- action to address water related issues exists. The Fraser Basin Council is identified as a unique organization that has emerged as the only decentralized water governance organization in the province’s history. Given its history, this thesis argues that the Fraser Basin Council is in a unique position to support both the provincial government and local communities to develop effective and long-lasting water governance entities in their local watersheds.