Catherine Fife

Explainer: Water capacity issue in Waterloo Region Why is water capacity suddenly an issue in Waterloo Region? According to regional staff, we've been "over-pumping for the last three years."

If you are concerned about the water crisis our community is facing, please watch this excellent presentation from (ROW) hydrologist. We have been over-pumping for 3 years & the aquifer needs to rest. Operating as we currently are is not an option. #onpoli www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/vi...

One year ago today, I was honoured when Waterloo voters re-elected me for a fifth term as your voice at Queen's Park. On March 23, the legislature will return after the premier's extended 14-week winter break. Ontario is worth fighting for - time to get back to QP. #onpoli

By gutting OSAP grants and paving the way for fee hikes, the government is forcing students to choose between an education and a lifetime of debt. It’s time to get Ontario’s youth out of this vicious cycle so they can get ahead. #onpoli www.catherinefife.com/stop_osap_cuts

“Is this regional staff justifying in greater detail the decisions they are making, or is this a collaboration with industry to find solutions, I don’t know yet,” said Higgins. “But I know I don’t get to participate unless I sign an NDA.” #onpoli

What an uplifting meeting with IKEA Canada! They are helping to build a stronger economy by employing 2,500 Ontarians in 12 locations, plus they're great corporate citizens who have found innovative ways to serve their communities.

www.ikea.com/ca/en/newsro...

“Ontario has incredible potential, but potential doesn’t create jobs, investment does. Businesses don’t need more spin or empty promises. They need a government that is willing to invest in people, in skills, and in the foundations of growth before more opportunities slip away.” #onpoli

Waterloo values education. My office continues to receive legitimate concerns from parents, students, and employers. Clearly, these changes will disproportionately affect students from lower income families. Join us in trying to get Ford to walk this one back... #onpoli #osap

A gravel & sand extraction company has applied for a new water taking permit in Wilmot. We have paused housing development, stalled construction and job creation because of a water shortage. Why is the province *still* allowing more water taking permits? #onpoli

ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0...

I stand with the Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils as they call for an Ontario Ombudsman review of the govt's process for removing PS Board trustees. #onpoli

On February 15, 1965, Canada adopted the iconic red maple leaf for its flag. 61 years later, now more than ever, it is still a symbol of our unity and strength as a nation.

Happy 🇨🇦 #FlagDay!

Electing the members of local school boards is the democratic link between our communities and the education system. Families should have the final say in who represents them, not the province.

Please read the WRDSB's letters to the MoE and ON ombudsman. #onpoli

"This is about the future of this province & right now this government is actively making it harder for young people to build one." - MPP Peggy Sattler, Official Opposition's Shadow Minister of Universities & Colleges

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-college-university-funding-osap-9.7086776

Donate to the ​Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Appeal​ The Canadian Red Cross is working to support those impacted by the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Money raised will be used to support those affected by the devastating events, helping to meet immedia...

The Tumbler Ridge Community is hurting. They need support from all of Canada. If you are looking for ways to show your support and if you are able, please donate here: give.redcross.ca/page/26TRTA

"(Region of Waterloo) currently lacks basic information on how much water the province has allowed companies to take, how many permits are active and what cumulative impacts those permits may be having. Concerns are also spreading beyond Waterloo." #onpoli

@nationalobserver.com

Kitchener-Waterloo’s billion-dollar building industry grinds to a halt as city water shortage fears grow The region announced in December that it had identified a significant water capacity issue in an area that supplies drinking water to Kitchener, Waterloo, and parts of Cambridge, Wilmot, and Woolwich.

"The (Waterloo Region water) crisis could derail the development industry for months, impacting housing needed for the region’s projected growth to a million residents by 2050, up from an estimated 700,000 last year." #onpoli

Region of Waterloo will debate Coun Gowing's motion to create a "Bluebelt" to better protect our aquifers & groundwater recharge areas, as proposed by @csgw_wr. See Appendix B pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.a.... Meeting on Tues Feb 10 at 12:30pm. Your support is needed. #onpoli

"Catherine Fife, NDP MPP for Waterloo, is calling for an immediate pause on commercial water-taking permits in Region of Waterloo. Fife warned the water shortage is already stalling housing construction & putting jobs at risk." #onpoli www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/06/n...

I joined Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles at Creative Beginnings Early Learning & Care yesterday, which has a waiting list of more than 800. The province needs to invest adequately in ECE if it expects our community to continue growing. #onpoli www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/vi...

“Despite strong public opposition, the Ford government is moving ahead with changes to Ontario’s long-standing rules for water use that critics say will weaken public oversight and eventually suck Ontario dry.” #onpoli

www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/28/news/ford-ontario-water-taking-permits

Congratulations to Kate Crozier on becoming Community Justice Initiatives permanent Exec Director. Kate has many years of experience in restorative justice, & I know she'll continue to lead CJI with her trademark empathy & innovative ideas. I'm looking forward to continuing our work together 👏👏👏

"Having hard projectiles whipped at you at fast speeds prepared me well for politics." - Catherine Fife, MPP Waterloo
www.thestar.com/sports/olympics-and-paralympics/from-competing-to-campaigning-athletes-turned-mpps-reflect-ahead-of-the-olympics/article_f003524f-19c6-59c8-95ea-7de61ce2968a.html

Eli Wood, a young community member and a #WLU student, went missing over 100 days ago. Sharing this post can make a difference. Let's show support to his family & help to bring Eli home safely.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/bumper-sticker-campaign-launched-to-help-find-eli-wood-9.7065513

Another great “Battle of the Bowls” in support of Ray of Hope Coldest Night Event. We are fortunate to have this compassionate organization in WR…I was happy to support the “Pharmacy Phamily” Team 👏👏

#ColdestNight

“The region had always been doing an amazing job of it with our visionary, sustainable official plan. But that’s been pulled apart in recent years, much like what we saw in the 1990s.” - Kevin Thomason, Grand River Environmental Network #onpoli

Making use of our great local transit system to get to and from meetings today. Public transit acts as a significant economic catalyst, often providing a higher return on investment than other infrastructure types. 🚈

Thanks to the “Prime Timers” from Erb Street Mennonite Church for the invitation to talk about #TillDeathDoUsPart - senior couples should not be separated.

Ontario needs this law. What a joy to share the call to action for Seniors in #LTC & Spousal Reunification. 👏👏 #onpoli

Luisa D'Amato's column today:

"What about the provincial government? The Ontario government has been issuing permits for companies to take water for operations like golf courses and gravel pits. Is that going to stop?" #onpoli

www.therecord.com/opinion/colu...

Drying wells and dying wetlands: The growing water crisis beneath the Waterloo Moraine The water supply crisis in Waterloo Region that led to a development freeze is a warning, say residents of Wilmot Township. The water table and aquifers that supply 80 per cent of the region’s water s...

"Martha and David say they never had issues until last November. Simply put, there is less water in the well and it runs out about once a week now. 'If I do a couple of loads of laundry and then put the dishwasher on, then we run out of water.'" #onpoli

Buy Ontario Act excludes Indigenous businesses, association says The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association has submitted a formal review of the Buy Ontario Act

“We are not asking for charity; we are asking the province to remove the handcuffs placed on our economy by archaic and biased procurement policies.” #onpoli www.sootoday.com/local-news/buy-ontario-act-excludes-indigenous-businesses-association-says-11771113

Waterloo’s renoviction bylaw is a great move, whatever the city staff say It will protect tenants from predatory landlords, and will help keep privately owned affordable homes in the city, Luisa D’Amato writes

"For every affordable unit saved from a renoviction, that’s one more person for whom local tax dollars don’t have to pay for a rent subsidy or a shelter bed. That’s why we all should get behind it, renters and owners alike." #onpoli