GLIN==> Québec Enacts Historic Regulations for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin

QUÉBEC ENACTS HISTORIC REGULATIONS FOR THE GREAT LAKES AND ST. LAWRENCE RIVER BASIN

Québec- On July 8, the Québec Government led by Premier Jean Charest enacted historic regulations to protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.  The recent adoption of the regulations represents a major milestone in Québec's efforts to implement the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement (Agreement), which includes a ban on new or increased diversions of water from the Basin, with limited exceptions.

Québec's action follows the National Assembly's approval of the Agreement and passage of Bill 27, and allows Québec to put the Agreement into force.  The Great Lakes States previously completed their required actions with enactment of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Compact.  Following Ontario's enactment of regulations expected in coming months, the Agreement will become fully effective and the various dates and deadlines for its provisions will begin.

Premier Charest serves as Chair of the Regional Body that coordinates regional collaboration on the Agreement.  He said, "Through this historic action, Québec has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the waters of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.  Our continued pledge is to conserve and protect our vital water resources for our children and for future generations."

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn serves as Chair of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council (Compact Council).  Governor Quinn said, "I applaud Premier Charest and the Québec Government for their leadership in protecting our shared resource.  I look forward to our continued work together to protect the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River."

The Agreement and Compact include the following:

 *   Lasting economic development will be balanced with sustainable water use to ensure Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin waters are managed responsibly.
 *   There is a ban on new or increased diversions of water from the Basin or between Great Lake watersheds.  Limited exceptions could be allowed, such as for public water supply purposes in communities along the boundaries of the Basin, but exceptions would be strictly regulated.
 *   The States and Provinces will use a consistent standard to review proposed uses of Great Lakes water.
 *   Regional objectives for water conservation and efficiency have been developed, and they will be reviewed every five years.  Each State and Province will develop and implement a water conservation and efficiency program to support the regional objectives.
 *   The collection of technical data will be strengthened, and the States and Provinces will share the information, which will improve decision-making by the governments.
 *   There is a strong commitment to continued public involvement and engagement of First Nations and Tribes in the implementation of the agreements.

Further information on the Regional Body and the Agreement can be found at glslregionalbody.org<http://cglg.org/projects/water/GLSLRWRRB.asp>

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Contact: David Naftzger
July 13, 2011
Office: 312-407-0177
Mobile: 847-863-1679
dnaftzger at cglg.org<mailto:dnaftzger at cglg.org>


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