Great Lakes Action Plan 2000-2005

The Great Lakes Action Plan 2000-2005, which replaced Great Lakes 2000 incorporates the actions of the Government of Canada, joint Canada-Ontario activities, and actions undertaken in coordination and cooperation with United States federal and state agencies.

The focus of the Great Lakes Action Plan is on the activities and commitment of the eight Government of Canada departments which participate in delivering Canada's commitments in relation to the protection of the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem as defined by the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Ontario is a key partner in conserving and protecting human health and environmental quality in the Great Lakes Basin. It is an essential partner in ensuring that Canada's commitments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement are met. The Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem (COA) provides a framework for coordination and cooperation. First signed in 1971, the agreement has been renewed four times. Canada and Ontario signed a new agreement in spring 2002. The new agreement will establish a common goal, shared objectives and a management framework for coordinating federal and provincial actions to maximize cooperation and avoid overlap and duplication.

The Great Lakes Action Plan framework was developed through extensive analysis and consultation which took place in 1999 and 2000. The framework reflects the need to continue to meet the challenges which have been the focus of the Government of Canada's attention since the inception of the Great Lakes program 1989. These include the restoration of environmental quality in Areas of Concern and protecting human health and environmental quality. The framework also reflects the need to address challenges of increasing importance, including the introduction of exotic species and the impacts of human health and development. Finally, the framework recognizes the need to address the root causes of many of the stresses the environment and human health in the Great lakes Basin through tangible progress on sustainable development.

The Great Lakes Action Plan Framework organizes the activities of the partner Government of Canada departments/agencies in relation to three main goals (healthy Environment, Healthy Citizens, Sustainable Communities) and seven objectives (Restore Areas of Concern, Conserve Ecologically Important Areas, Control Introduction of Exotic Species, Assess and Manage Ecosystem Health, Protect and Promote Human Health, Reduce Harmful Pollutants, Advance Sustainable Use).

For each objective, departments have identified target results and specific actions which will be carried out over a five year period. This information has been used in the negotiation of a renewed COA as Canada's commitment to action.