…In the last decade, the number of children killed by diarrhea exceeded the number of people killed in all armed conflicts since the Second World War.

…Every eight seconds, a child dies from water-borne disease.

…The average North American uses almost six hundred liters (150 gallons) of water a day. The average African uses just six.

…A new born baby in the global North consumes between forty and seventy times more water than a baby in the global South.

The solution?

Vandana Shiva calls it “Earth Democracy” and defines it as a system that puts people and nature above commerce and profit, emerging out of a desire to sustain life for future generations.

One love,

Nigelb

I saw Water on the Table in Toronto at the Royal on Saturday October 16, and I am very glad that I did. Prior to seeing the film, I was not aware of Maude Barlow or her work to promote water as a fundamental human right. I now feel an impetus to follow this important issue. Thank-you for that.

I think Water on the Table is well structured. Ms Barlow’s responses to her opponents are clear and cogent. Where the so-called experts are cool and condescending, Barlow is passionate and earnest. Moreover, her humanism and empathy shine through when she is in her natural element among other activists.

The film features an ongoing visual water motif that is striking and elevates the subject matter. Shots of flowing water add
an almost spiritual dimension underscoring the theme: given water’s inextricability from life, it cannot be treated simply as to a commodity to be exploited.

I think this an important film, and I hope that it functions as a call to action on the issue of water. Congratulations on your win at the Planet In Focus Film Festival! I hope it provides a boost to get this project seen by as many people as possible. This is an issue that people need to be thinking about, and I hope that your film will be an important beachhead in the fight.

Congratulations on a remarkable achievement!

When it comes to the ‘message’ it is not hidden, but often sneaks up on you. Sometimes I am embarrassed to be a Canadian. Other times when I come into contact with smart,strong, stubborn women like Maude and Liz, I am proud to be Canadian.

Liz is a brilliant documentary maker. I feel that I know her already. Go see this movie. You’ll want to see it again. You’ll see how dedicated Maude is and always has been.

YOU GO WOMEN! The Gemini will be yours and more will come your way!

Andrea Cohen-B

Let’s all take a moment together and celebrate a great day for water!

Peggy
Huntsville, Ontario

I went to the premiere of Water On The Table last night and I want to tell you (and Liz as well) that I took away a lot of information and a ton of inspiration.

I am proud to be a member of the Council for Canadians – and I want to thank you for your years of efforts and dedication in trying to make Canada and the world a better place.

All the best for the upcoming UN deliberations – hoping for what is seemingly impossible but absolutely necessary.

Maryse Lepage