News Release

Government of Canada Takes Action to Combat Dumping of Raw Sewage and Upgrade Sewage Treatment

Ottawa , September 24, 2007 - Environment Minister John Baird today announced that the Government of Canada is taking action to combat the dumping of raw sewage into our lakes, rivers, and oceans, and greatly improve sewage treatment across Canada.  This action will help protect the health of Canadians, and will help address the threat of blue-green algae growth. 

"The Government of Canada is taking action now to cut water pollution by setting hard and tough new national standards for sewage treatment," said Minister Baird.  "These new rules will bring Canada in line with some of the toughest rules in the world today, like those in the European Union.   For too many years, previous federal governments have failed to act.  This government will take that action.  Canada will have tough national rules needed to improve water quality and protect the health of Canadians."

The proposed regulations are to be published next year.  These new regulations will also have a positive impact on filtering out substances like phosphates, which can lead to excessive blue-green algae production, as well as mercury and pharmaceutical products in sewage outflow.  The rules will enforce national standards to the more than 4,600 wastewater collection and treatment systems in towns, cities, and communities across Canada.     

Improving the quality of water in our lakes, streams and rivers requires collaborative approaches and actions by the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and aboriginal communities.  The Government is taking action now through federal regulations which will provide clear instruction to all municipal, aboriginal, federal or private owners of a sewage treatment plant.

Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support infrastructure projects, such as sewage treatment systems, that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for Canadians and businesses, a stronger economy, and a more secure Canada.

For more information, please visit Environment Canada's Web site at www.ec.gc.ca/:

For further information, please contact:

Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

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