Summary
Today, Minister Yurek announced Ontario and Canada have signed the ninth Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, which sets out specific actions each government will take to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Over the past 50 years, these series of agreements have led to improved conditions in the Great Lakes, including dramatic reductions in harmful pollutants and the return of bald eagles and other pollution-sensitive species.
Key Message
· Canada and Ontario have a long history of working together to protect and restore the Great Lakes and we’ve seen tremendous improvements of these vital waterways.
· Today, Canada and Ontario signed the ninth Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, which marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the first agreement in 1971 and sets out specific actions each government will take as they work together to restore, protect and conserve the Great Lakes.
· The new agreement outlines new and ongoing actions to safeguard the world’s largest freshwater lake system, such as improving wastewater and stormwater management, managing nutrients, reducing plastic pollution and excess road salt, restoring native species and habitats and increasing climate resilience.
· The health of the Great Lakes is important to not only our natural environment, but also to the local economies and communities that depend on them every day, which is why the agreement also includes a new focus on supporting nature-based recreation opportunities and strengthening engagement of First Nations and Métis in the implementation of the agreement.
· We look forward to continuing to work with all of our partners to safeguard the world’s largest freshwater lake system now, and for generations to come.