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<title>CANADA ANNOUNCES COMING INTO FORCE OF AMENDMENTS TO INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY WATERS TREATY ACT</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>December 10, 2002 <em>(10:25 a.m. EST)</em> No. 170</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA ANNOUNCES COMING INTO FORCE OF AMENDMENTS TO INTERNATIONAL
BOUNDARY WATERS TREATY ACT</strong></font></p>
<p>The Government of Canada announced today that amendments to the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act (IBWTA)
and related regulations have come into force. Regulations include the prohibition of bulk removal of boundary waters from
Canadian basins for any purpose, including export. In addition, from now on, water-related projects in Canada that affect
the level or flow of waters on the United States side of the border will require licences. These will be granted following
approval by both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the International Joint Commission. Today's changes strengthen
Canada's implementation of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.</p>
<p>"Canada's water is a precious resource that must be protected," said Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham. "The
amendments coming into force today will protect the Great Lakes and other boundary waters from bulk water removal,
thereby preserving critical freshwater resources for future generations."</p>
<p>"Our federal strategy to protect water, at the source not at the border, strengthens our commitment to securing water
supplies for Canadians," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "This approach is supported by the provinces and
territories."</p>
<p>Canada's border with the United States is formed, crossed or straddled by more than 300 lakes and rivers. The International
Boundary Waters Treaty Act was passed by Parliament in 1911. It implemented the 1909 Canada-U.S. Boundary Waters
Treaty, which established principles and procedures for preventing or settling disputes, particularly regarding the quantity
and quality of boundary waters between Canada and the United States. </p>
<p>The amendments and regulations announced today further implement IBWTA legislation announced on December 20,
2001.</p>
<p>Additional information is available at:</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071121034322/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/menu-en.asp?act=v&mid=1&cat=11&did=478">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/menu-en.asp?act=v&mid=1&cat=11&did=478</a></p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</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>Kelly Morgan</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of the Environment</p>
<p>(819) 997-1441</p>
<p>Suzanne Meunier</p>
<p>Media Relations </p>
<p>Environment Canada</p>
<p>(819) 953-4016</p>
<p>This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site:
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071121034322/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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