The Province of Ontario is set to introduce new legislation aimed at protecting the Great Lakes and keeping them drinkable, swimmable and fishable.
According to a press release issued by the province, The Great Lakes Protection Act, if passed, would:
– 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 leadership in protecting the Great Lakes, including our Great Lakes Strategy and partnerships with Canada, Quebec, U.S.A., and the Great Lakes states.
The press release stated the Great Lakes provide more than 80 per cent of Ontario’s drinking water and are important for the province’s economic prosperity.
The province says over 95 per cent of Ontario’s agricultural land is in the Great Lakes basin and since 2007, Ontario has committed more than $125 million to over 1,000 Great Lakes projects.
Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley said this type of legislation can be positive.
“Action such as this are excellent provided they strive for real measurable results,” Wesley said. “Not just a lot of talk and platitudes… and there is teeth in the legislation to deal with those who do not comply.”
Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change said the province needs to restore the Great Lakes to “continue to enjoy their benefits for this and future generations.
“Today we celebrate the Great Lakes that are vitally important to the people of Ontario for our drinking water, quality of life, and prosperity,” Murray stated.
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