2015-Mar-03
NEW Great Lakes Protection Act
The Ontario Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) has re introduced a Great Lakes Protection Act.
If passed, the Great Lakes Protection Act will protect the waters of the Great Lakes basin, and help keep to the Great Lakes Drinkable, Swimmable and Fishable, according to MOECC.
The Act intends to:
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- Help fight climate change, reduce harmful algal blooms, and protect wetlands and other coastal areas
- Monitor and report on the health of the lakes
- Bring people together to take action on priority issues
- Build on Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy and Ontario’s partnerships with the governments of Canada, Quebec, U.S.A., and the Great Lakes states.
The Act was posted on E-Laws Ontario, and on the Environmental Bill of Rights, for public comment until April 19, 2015.
Quotes from the February 18 announcement:
Minister Murray, GLPA announcement, February 18, 2015
“Today we celebrate the Great Lakes that are vitally important to the people of Ontario for our drinking water, quality of life, and prosperity. We need to restore them now to continue to enjoy their benefits for this and future generations.” – Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
“The Georgian Bay Association is encouraged by the Ontario Government’s commitment to protect the Great Lakes in order that their waters are swimmable, fishable, and drinkable. As we understand the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, it will empower grass roots organizations and communities to work together toward this goal. It will provide latitude to address regional stresses and set regional targets for improvement. We strongly endorse this approach and look forward to working with government when they implement this Legislation.” – Bob Duncanson Executive Director Georgian Bay Association