(OTTAWA) The announcement today by Newfoundland Minister of the Environment Oliver Langdon that his province will not approve the proposal to export water from pristine Gisborne Lake, has put the issue back where it belongs - in the hands of the federal government.

"Minister Langdon has recognized that a comprehensive policy to protect Canada's water has to consider the obligations imposed on Canada by trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement," said Maude Barlow, Volunteer National Chairperson for The Council of Canadians. "Water is listed as a good under NAFTA and any commercial trade in water is subject to its provisions. Once we permit bulk exports of water we open ourselves up to obligations and liabilities that could cost us billions of dollars - and we can never turn off the tap."

"Bulk export of water is not only environmentally unsound but morally bankrupt," added Jamie Dunn, Water Campaigner for The Council of Canadians. " Exporting water to water scarce regions only delays a sustainable solution and cashes in on desperation. In Newfoundland, bulk exports will provide very few long-term jobs and delay the development of a sustainable economy and long term security. Because of NAFTA it would condemn the rest of Canada to participate in an industry many provinces have rejected."

The Council of Canadians is spearheading a national campaign calling on the federal government to ban bulk water export and to protect water from trade deals.

The Council of Canadian is a national public interest watchdog with 100,000 members and is part of a national coalition working to protect Canada's water from privatization and commodification.