The governments of Canada and Ontario emphasized their commitment to the health of the Great Lakes on December 19 by signing the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health.
“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our rich natural heritage,” said Minister of the Environment Leona Aglukkaq. “Ensuring the continued health of the Great Lakes is a priority for our Government and collaboration with the province will be important. Through this renewed partnership, our Government is taking action to restore and conserve Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health for the benefit of all Canadians.”
The agreement includes commitments to:
– Address algal blooms, including blue-green algae;
– Clean up historical Areas of Concern;
– Help prevent invasive species from entering the lakes;
– Protect the lakes from pollutants;
– Help conserve fish and wildlife habitats; and
– Bolster collaboration with the Great Lakes community.
“Our vision is a healthy Great Lakes for a stronger Ontario–Great Lakes that continue to be drinkable, swimmable and fishable,” said Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Glen Murray. “This agreement will help us implement Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy.”
