Seeks Public's Input To Ensure Draft Agreements Succeed

TORONTO - The Ontario government is seeking public comment on draft agreements negotiated with Quebec and the eight Great Lakes states to protect and conserve Great Lakes Basin waters, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

"Our government recognizes the need to protect Great Lakes Basin waters," said Ramsay. "With these agreements, we are ensuring that future generations will enjoy the Great Lakes."

The draft agreements would implement commitments made in the 2001 Great Lakes Charter Annex to help protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes Basin for future generations. These include establishing a minimum environmental standard for regulating water uses across the basin.

Ontario, Quebec and the eight Great Lakes states have all committed to strengthening the regulation of water uses, collaborating on reviews of major water uses and on diversions (where water is transferred from the Great Lakes Basin into another watershed, or from the watershed of one of the Great Lakes into that of another) and requiring water users to practise conservation and treat and return water after its use.

"The views of our citizens are vital to ensuring the final agreements meet the needs of Ontarians," said Ramsay. "We will continue our dialogue with the other jurisdictions, while seeking public input on how to address potential changes to historical water diversions in the Great Lakes system."

"With the public's input, we will protect our environment and strengthen our communities, providing Ontarians with a quality of life that is second to none," said Ramsay.

Contact:

Steve Payne
Ministry of Natural Resources
(416) 314-2103