Protecting and managing water quality in lakes and rivers is essential for the well-being of Canadians, the environment and economic prosperity.
Safeguarding the environment and growing our economy go hand in hand.
This is why, the Governments of Canada and Ontario have released the final Lake Erie Action Plan.
Government officials say the plan identifies more than 120 federal, provincial and partner actions, using mandatory and voluntary approaches, to help achieve the goal of reducing phosphorus entering Lake Erie by 40 per cent.
The plan will be reviewed and revised as needed over time to ensure continued progress towards achievement of targets.
Phosphorus enters Lake Erie from many sources, including runoff from agricultural lands, urban centres, sewage treatment plants and septic systems. Actions in the plan to reduce phosphorus loads include upgrading municipal wastewater treatment and collection systems, encouraging effective techniques to keep phosphorus on farmland and out of the watershed and improving wetland conservation.
Phosphorus is a primary cause of harmful algal blooms that can have a wide range of impacts on the environment, human health and the economy: water quality, fish and wildlife populations and habitats are degraded; beaches are fouled; water intakes are clogged, commercial fisheries are at risk, and toxins can also pose a risk to humans.
The action plan was developed following extensive public engagement and close collaboration with Indigenous communities, municipalities, agricultural organizations, conservation authorities, interest groups, and others.
“Protecting and restoring the health of Lake Erie is vitally important to everyone in Ontario,” stated Chris Ballard, Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
“Building on our Great Lakes Protection Act and working collaboratively with Canada and our partners, we are creating cleaner, more sustainable waters, healthier and stronger communities, and a better future for generations to come.”
Indigenous peoples, as stewards of the land, have been valued partners in the development of this action plan. Canada and Ontario will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous communities within the Lake Erie basin to help implement the plan.
“The Great Lakes are a treasured resource for all Canadians,” stated Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment Climate Change.
“Through the Lake Erie Action Plan, we are working with our partners and delivering on a key commitment under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Together, we are protecting our environment and strengthening our economy, and in doing so, improving freshwater resources so Canadians can swim, drink, and fish.”
The agricultural sector also continues to be a leading partner in efforts to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Erie from agricultural land, and adopting ways to reduce their overall environmental impact.
“Canadian farmers know the value of protecting our land and water through the use of sustainable practices,” state Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with Ontario and the agriculture sector to protect and restore water resources through support for on-farm environment action and scientific research related to the management of phosphorus in the Lake Erie basin.”
“I am pleased that Ontario’s agriculture sector continues to be a leader in identifying and implementing ways to reduce phosphorus entering our Great Lakes,” added Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“By working together with our partners, Ontario will continue to address this vital environmental matter.”
Phosphorus is a primary cause of harmful algal blooms that can have a wide range of impacts on the environment, human health and the economy: water quality, fish and wildlife populations and habitats are degraded; beaches are fouled; water intakes are clogged, commercial fisheries are at risk, and toxins can also pose a risk to humans.
The Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan is an important milestone to protect the shared waters of the Great Lakes, and meets commitments under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health. The plan also meets commitments under the Ontario Great Lakes Protection Act and Ontario’s agreements with U.S. states.
More details:
– Lake Erie is the shallowest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, and it receives high loads of phosphorus, making it highly susceptible to harmful blue-green and nuisance algal blooms.
Estimates indicate that these blooms could cost the Canadian Lake Erie basin economy $272M annually.
– Algal blooms impact the enjoyment of the lake for millions of people in the region.
Research shows we can expect an economic return of up to $2 for every dollar we invest to improve the health of the Great Lakes.
– The action plan meets commitments under Ontario’s Great Lakes Protection Act.
– Ontario’s Great Lakes Basin is home to about 40 per cent of Canada’s economic activity.
Check out the full plan, here.
