News Release

Canada's New Government Marks World Water Day with National Water Strategy

OTTAWA, Ontario, March 22, 2007 - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today marked World Water Day by promising action to improve the health and quality of Canada's fresh water resources through the Government's National Water Strategy.

"A sustainable and healthy water supply is crucial for our ecosystems, economy and our environment," said Minister Baird.  "Canada's New Government is taking action through its proposed National Water Strategy to protect and improve our vast water resources."

In Budget 2007, Canada's New Government committed $93 million to support a comprehensive National Water Strategy that will ensure clean and safe water for Canadians.  This strategy sets the direction for a concrete action plan that will improve the quality of drinking water, clean up polluted waters, help maintain water levels in the Great Lakes and protect ecosystems.

"Water is a shared resource that must be managed responsibly," said Minister Baird.  "We will continue to work collaboratively with the provinces, the United States and the global community as we introduce new measures to deliver safe and clean water to Canadians."

Canada's New Government recently renewed its commitment to extend the cooperative work under the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem (COA).  This initiative will ensure continued improvement and protection of the Great Lakes, their waters and their ecosystem.  Other important measures include investing in research, water pollution prevention, and the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality agreement.

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