GATINEAU, QC, April 14, 2022 /CNW/ – United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan Canada’sThe Honourable Steven Guilbeault (Minister of Environment and Climate Change) issued the following statement.
“Canada The United StatesWe have a long history working together on issues that significantly impact the well-being and prosperity of those living on both sides. Our primary example of united action is our shared management of the Great Lakes ecosystem. It is one of the largest freshwater systems in the world.
“Fifty Years Ago on April 15, 1972Our two countries, in response to the dramatic deterioration in water quality, reaffirmed our commitment to work close together to restore and safeguard the Great Lakes. United StatesCanada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
“Under Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Canada The United StatesWe have engaged state, provincial, municipal, and local governments; First Nations and Mtis governments; Tribal governments; industry; and the general public in working together for a healthy, sustainable Great Lakes ecosystem that will benefit present and future generations.
“The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement has been a tremendously effective tool in protecting and improving the water quality in the Great Lakes. It is a combination of complementary U.S. environmental programs and Canadian ones. We have seen dramatic reductions in the environmental toxic substances that are harmful to wildlife and fish, some by more then 90 percent. We have restored and are continuing to restore areas that were severely damaged on both sides. Additionally, we have implemented measures that have resulted the return to the Great Lakes of important species such as Bald Eagles, Lake Trout, and other wildlife. CanadaUnited states relations are strong and we share environmental progress.
“As fifty years of cooperation are celebrated, we recognize that we have a long way to go and that we need to continue our efforts to protect this valuable resource. We are proud to reflect upon the achievements made under the Agreement and we reaffirm and deepen our shared commitment to continue working together to restore and preserve the Great Lakes.
“The United States CanadaAt the Great Lakes Public Forum, we will continue to celebrate this milestone and discuss ways to protect the Great Lakes for the next 50 years. Niagara Falls, OntarioThe week of September 26, 2022.”
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
For more information, Kaitlin power, Press Secretary, Office for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change at 819-230-1557. [email protected]Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3333 or 1-844-836-799 (toll-free), [email protected]
