PARRY
SOUND, Ontario, September 8, 2006 – The Honourable
Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment; the
Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency; and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister
of Health, announced today $500,000 for the first
phase of a major study of the Upper Great Lakes.
This funding is toward first-year
costs for the International Joint Commission (IJC)
to commence a study to determine whether the regulation
of Lake Superior water outflows can be improved
to address the evolving needs of the users of
the Upper Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron
and Erie) and their interconnecting channels.
"Water levels and outflow
changes can have significant impacts on all those
who depend on the Great Lakes. This study will
help ensure that the best science is used to make
long-term decisions affecting their management,"
said Minister Ambrose. "Our new government
is committed to delivering real action on Canada's
environment, protecting the health of Canadians
and growing our economy in the process. Working
together, we can safeguard our Great Lakes."
"The funding announced
today clearly demonstrates that Canada is committed,
along with the United States, to addressing water
levels and flows in the Upper Great Lakes,"
said Minister Mackay.
"The Great Lakes are a
source of drinking water, employment and enjoyment
for millions of Canadians and it is vital that
they remain in good health. Health Canada continues
to work with its federal, provincial and U.S.
partners to further improve the conditions in
the Great Lakes to protect the health of Canadians,"
said Minister Clement, the MP for the local riding
of Parry Sound-Muskoka.
The U.S. has also provided $500,000
as its contribution to this study to be carried
out by the IJC.
The IJC was established by the
1909 Boundary Waters Treaty as an independent
binational body to prevent and resolve transboundary
disputes between Canada and the United States
concerning water and environmental issues.
Related Documents:
Canada Announces Funding for the Upper Great Lakes
Study [backgrounder, 2006-09-08]
Speaking Notes for an Address by the Honourable
Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment of Canada
at an Announcement Concerning the Upper Great
Lakes Water Levels Study [speech, 2006-09-08]
For more information, please contact:
Ryan Sparrow / Jack Saunders
/ Erik Waddell
