Canada Announces Funding for
the Upper Great Lakes Study

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]

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