Currently in Canada, no central location or repository exists for fresh water-related indicators and their associated data. Little attention has been given to characterizing and analyzing the types of environmental indicators currently available in the water sector. A recently released report,  Dunn, Gemma and Karen Bakker (2009). Canadian Approaches to Assessing Water Security: An inventory of indicators. Vancouver BC: UBC Program on Water Governance, fills this gap. The report reviews and evaluates existing fresh water-related indicators in Canada and analyzes the capacity of these indicators to aid decision-making. The report includes an inventory of 365 Canadian fresh water-related indicators, the first of its kind.  The inventory is analyzed and the key gaps and overlaps are highlighted. In addition, we explore the impact of jurisdictional fragmentation in federal and provincial/territorial government on the uptake of indicators. Focusing at the federal and provincial/territorial levels, we identify key drivers and trends in indicator development and identify major obstacles in Canada’s capacity to assess water security. We present recommendations designed to increase the effectiveness of water security assessments in Canada. This policy report, the first in a series, documents and assesses the strength of the indicators currently used in Canada to measure and assess water security, with a focus on both federal and provincial levels. For further information, please contact: Gemma Dunn.