Good Evening

Thank you for this opportunity to speak tonight on this issue, we have a concern though that there has not been much information given to the general public and that public consultation of only 90 days is not nearly enough time to fully appreciate the importance for the future of the Great Lakes Basin.

We also feel that there is a jurisdictional issue with these negotiations. Is it not the Federal government that has responsibility to protect Canada’s international waters? By allowing Ontario and Quebec to enter into an agreement with the Unites States the Annex could undermine Canada’s share of control and responsibility over Great Lakes waters, and all our shared waters as a result. The Canadian government must take action by condemning the Annex and referring the matter to the International Joint Commission, where Canada and the U.S. have an equal seat at the table.

According to Steven Shrybman, an international trade lawyer, the Annex also could not withstand challenges from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and could increase our exposure to international trade disputes. As in the case of Sun Belt Corporation vs. the Canadian government.

As we see it, the Annex would allow for new, large-scale water withdrawals. There is nothing in the Annex that restricts how much water can be withdrawn from the Great Lakes and there must be clear limits on water takings, with no new water withdrawals until it is determined that the current water takings are not compromising the health of the Great Lakes and that they are based on sound science and the precautionary principle.

Conservation principals in the Annex will only apply to new water takers, and will not be monitored or enforced. Tangible water conservation measures should be mandated for all water takers from the Great Lakes, and should be strictly enforced; this would ensure that there would be sufficient water savings to offset new water usage.

Of great concern here in Windsor is the issue of transportation. We have seen at times of low water levels that the shipping industry is greatly affected. Ships can’t be fully loaded which increases the cost to ship goods up and down the Great Lakes.

I thank you for listening to my presentation and wait for your response to my concerns.