September 28, 2004
Kingston Public Meeting

Michelle Dorey – Kingston Chapter
Council of Canadians

The International Joint Commission water produced a report in 2000 which is opposed to water diversion outside the Great Lakes Basin.

The Annex 2001 is premised on the fact that water diversion will occur and is essentially a series of rules, regulations and conditions whereby this can occur. In the Annex a majority vote decision of the 8 US governors will allow diversions. The role of Canada is non-binding, 2nd party to the agreement, with no power of veto or any say whatsoever with regards to water diversions to southern states.

Critics have pointed out that the Annex is a loose agreement with loopholes which could be challenged in court and would likely not withstand a NAFTA challenge. Water could be put on the trade table as a good – essentially for sale.

We are opposed to the Annex as well, for the following reasons:

1. The ecological effects of draining more water from the Great Lakes, when we don’t really know if we are already using too much, will have dire consequences for the lakes.
2. Any new focus of agreements should be on conservation rather than diversions from the lakes. This is particularly critical when world supply of water is finite and it is essential to human life.
3. For an agreement this important there has been little publicity and very little time for the discussion and analysis required before considering implementation.
4. Canada faces a loss of sovereignty and power in decisions affecting water diversions from the great Lakes.

We urge our Prime Minister to become involved and condemn the Annex. We ask that the matter be referred back to the IJC whereby Canada and the US have equal power over the Great Lakes.