|
Great Lakes
Article:
Deal to ban Great Lakes diversions
flawed, say critics
Posted on Macleans.ca on November 23, 2005
OTTAWA (CP) - Critics say a draft agreement among Great
Lakes states and provinces to ban large-scale water diversions
is deeply flawed and would weaken Canadian sovereignty.
Environmental groups say the agreement - which has been
in the works for years - allows for withdrawals of up
to 23 million litres of water a day and places virtually
no restrictions on the bottled water industry.
However, many of the groups are supporting the deal
- known as the Great Lakes Annex - because it will ban
long-distance diversions.
Mary Muter of the Georgian Bay Association said pressure
for water diversions will grow in the future as political
power in the United States shifts to thirsty southern
states.
Other organizations oppose the deal, saying Ontario and
Quebec would be outnumbered by the eight Great Lakes states
in decision-making.
The Council of Canadians says the deal - which must still
be approved in state and provincial legislatures - would
severely weaken Canadian sovereignty over the lakes.
|
