Draft Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, 2014: Available for public comment
The Government of Canada is committed to doing its part to foster a healthy and prosperous Great Lakes region and to ensuring that the Great Lakes are well managed for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations in Canada and the United States. For over 40 years, Canada and Ontario have worked together under a series of Great Lakes agreements.
The Governments of Canada and Ontario have negotiated a draft Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA), 2014.
The 2014 COA establishes a domestic action plan to guide cooperation and the coordination of efforts to restore, protect and conserve Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health over five years. The 2014 COA helps Canada deliver on commitments under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
COA commitments have been identified in the following areas:
- Nutrients
- Harmful Pollutants
- Discharges from Vessels
- Areas of Concern
- Lakewide Management
- Aquatic Invasive Species
- Habitat and Species
- Groundwater Quality
- Climate Change Impacts
- Science
- Promoting Innovation
- Engaging Communities
- Engaging First Nations
- Engaging Métis
Comments or questions on the proposed draft should be submitted to the Great Lakes Environment Office, Environment Canada at Canada.Ontario.Agreement@ec.gc.ca by July 3, 2014.