IJC's Role Defined In Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Review

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KINGSTON, Ontario, June 11, 2005 - The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the International Joint Commission (IJC) will have a significant role in gathering input and educating the public about the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA).

"The current review of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement provides an opportunity to ensure that the Agreement continues to be a visionary statement that will guide not only governments, but also members of the Great Lakes community, in the continued protection and restoration of the Great Lakes," said Minister Dion, before a forum of Great Lakes managers and stakeholders at the IJC's Biennial Meeting in Kingston, Ontario. "The governments of Canada and the U.S. are giving the International Joint Commission an important role in the review process by obtaining the public input that is so crucial to the success of this endeavour."

"The International Joint Commission represents a longstanding commitment by Canada and the U.S. to work together in protecting the quality of shared waters," said
Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada, who transmitted the Canadian response to the Commission. "Its institutional strength and record of binational impartiality is vital to Canada and the U.S. in the management of their shared environment."

The terms of the GLWQA require the governments of Canada and the U.S. to undertake a comprehensive review of the operation and effectiveness of the Agreement following every third IJC biennial report. This requirement was formally triggered with the release of the IJC's 12^th Biennial Report on September 13, 2004.

The IJC has been asked to report its findings from these public input sessions to the two governments by January 2006. Canada and the U.S. will then proceed with their comprehensive review of the Agreement.

Further information is available at:

• The 12^th Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality of the International Joint Commission (www.ijc.org/en/home/main_accueil.htm)
• Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (www.on.ec.gc.ca/glwqa)

Related Document:

• Cornwall Sediment Strategy [Backgrounder]

For more information, please contact:

André Lamarre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Environment
(819) 997 1441

Mike Goffin
Director, Great Lakes and Corporate Affairs
Environment Canada, Ontario Region
(416) 739 4936

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995 1874

Laurie Thibeault
Communications Advisor
Environment Canada, Ontario Region
(416) 735-8697

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