News Release

Canada Has No Intention of Negotiating Bulk Water Exports 

GATINEAU, April 13, 2007 - Today, Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable John Baird, made the following statement in response to recent media reports of trilateral negotiations between Canada, Mexico and the United States on bulk water exports and diversions.

"The Government of Canada has no intention of entering into negotiations, behind closed doors or otherwise, regarding the issue of bulk water exports. Canada has restrictions in place to prohibit bulk removal of water, including diversion, backed by serious fines and/or imprisonment. Canada is committed to protecting water in its natural state and to preserving the integrity of ecosystems, and will continue to do so."

Most Canadians and their governments have expressed deep concerns about bulk water removals for the purposes of export. Concerns were also expressed that the removal of large quantities of water may cause irreparable ecosystem harm and increase vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

In Canada, responsibility for water management falls under several orders of government. Canadian provinces and territories have the primary jurisdiction over most areas of water management and protection and they have adopted statutes, regulations orpolicies that prohibit bulk water removal for the purposes of export from provincial and territorial waters.

Canada has restrictions in place through the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act and its regulations, prohibiting the bulk removal of water from the Canadian portion of boundary waters, like the Great Lakes and St. Croix basins. This prohibition is an effective means of minimizing the spread of pollutants, invasive alien species and pathogens.

The Government of Canada will continue to work toward protecting water and preserving our natural ecosystems.

For more information, please contact:

Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(613) 697-8079

Environment Canada Media Relations
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008