(OTTAWA) With the threat of bulk water exports from Newfoundland looming, and the International Joint Commission now inquiring into the proposed export of Great Lakes water, The Council of Canadians today presented Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy with petitions from over 25,000 Canadians demanding the federal government ban water exports immediately.

"The Newfoundland government has correctly passed the final decision over water exports on to the federal government," said Maude Barlow, National Chair of The Council of Canadians. "Unfortunately, they also seem to believe that proposed exports of Gisborne Lake water could go ahead despite a proposed national accord prohibiting such exports. We want to remind Minister Axworthy that Canadians are expecting the federal government to ensure the tap isn't turned on for the entire country because of the actions of one province and our trade obligations under NAFTA."

"This is a consequence of the federal government's patchwork approach to protecting Canada's water," said Jamie Dunn, Water Campaigner with the Council. "Relying on each province to come up with its own protections while entrepreneurs woo them with promises of new revenues from water exports is a recipe for disaster."

The Council of Canadians is spearheading a national campaign to stop the bulk export of Canadian water and prevent the loss of public control over water.

The Council of Canadians is a national public interest watchdog with over 100,000 members.

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