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<title>GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WELCOMES INTERIM REPORT FROM INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION ON BULK WATER REMOVAL FROM THE GREAT LAKES</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">August 18, 1999 <em>(9:05 a.m. EDT)</em> No. 182</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WELCOMES INTERIM REPORT </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>FROM INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION ON </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>BULK WATER REMOVAL FROM THE GREAT LAKES</strong></font><strong></strong></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Environment Minister David Anderson were pleased today to receive the
International Joint Commission (IJC)'s interim report <em>Protection of the Waters of the Great Lakes</em>. The ministers noted that
the report is generally supportive of the Government of Canada's initiative to prohibit bulk water removals from Canadian
watersheds.</p>
<p>"The interim report supports the federal approach to protecting all of our waters against removals," said Minister
Axworthy. "The report concludes that the Great Lakes have no surplus water. In the fall, we will introduce amendments to
the <em>International Boundary Waters Treaty Act,</em> which will enable us to prohibit removals of water from boundary waters
such as the Great Lakes."</p>
<p>"We fully intend to review this study in detail and respond formally to the Commission," said Minister Axworthy. "I do
have concerns with one recommendation regarding removals of water from the Great Lakes under some circumstances. The
conditions outlined in that recommendation may be too permissive and therefore not acceptable."</p>
<p>"Canadians expect all governments to work together to protect our watersheds and ensure the preservation of fresh water
supplies for future generations," said Minister Anderson. "Because the provinces and territories are the owners and
stewards of water resources within their borders, I am looking to them to work with the Government of Canada in
developing a Canada-wide accord that addresses the concerns of Canadians. I have written to my provincial and territorial
colleagues urging their co-operation, and I look forward to putting an accord in place with them this fall."</p>
<p>The IJC interim report is the first component of a three-part federal strategy to prohibit removals of water, including
removals for export, announced on February 10, 1999. A final report will be issued by the IJC in February 2000. The other
two components of the strategy are the amendments to the <em>International Boundary Waters Treaty Act</em>, and developing a
Canada-wide accord with provincial and territorial governments to prohibit removals, including removals for export, from
Canadian watersheds. Discussions are ongoing with the provinces and territories.</p>
<p>"We encourage all provinces to review this interim report, since it provides important information beyond the perspective
of the Great Lakes and will be of interest to all jurisdictions," said Minister Anderson. "I am pleased this interim report
supports our strategy and underscores the importance of preventing bulk water removals."</p>
<p>For additional information, please visit Environment Canada's Web site on the Green Lane:
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071116032252/http://www.ec.gc.ca/press/bulk_water_b_e.htm">http://www.ec.gc.ca/press/bulk_water_b_e.htm</a></p>
<p>The IJC Web site is: <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071116032252/http://www.ijc.org/">http://www.ijc.org</a></p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Debora Brown</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p>John Fraser</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of the Environment</p>
<p>(819) 997-1441</p>
<p>Jennifer Moore</p>
<p>Environment Canada</p>
<p>(819) 997-5674</p>
<p>This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site: <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071116032252/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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