Great Lakes Article:

Tony Martin to Feds: "Protect Our Lakes!"
LTVNEWS Staff
LTVNews.com
Posted August 11 2005


The following media release was received by LTV from Sault MP Tony Martin's office Thursday:

A revised draft agreement meant to boost protection of Great Lakes water still needs to strengthen the role of the International Joint Commission, Sault MP Tony Martin said today.

"My NDP colleagues in Windsor and I are hoping to see greater federal involvement in the agreement, including stronger wording in the draft on the role of the IJC."

The IJC is the independent, binational organization which oversees and resolves water treaty disputes. The two provinces and eight states involved in the Great Lakes Charter Annex have been pressing for public comment on the latest draft of their binding document before returning to the negotiating table this fall.

On Wednesday, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources held its final public meeting in Windsor after holding hearings in eleven communities including Sault Ste. Marie.

"Ontario believes they have beefed up regulations and effectively banned diversions of Great Lakes water," Martin said. "I hope that is the case and the International Joint Commission can play an important role in making that the case."

Ontario returned to the negotiating table with Quebec and the eight Great Lakes States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) in January 2005.

The Government of Ontario is welcoming further public commentary by mail or email until August 29th. For contact information, and to view the revised agreement, visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources web site at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/water/greatlakes/index.html