The Government of Canada wants to hear from Canadians, on the Ottawa River watershed
News Release
January 25, 2018 – Gatineau, Quebec
Canada is committed to safeguarding our country’s freshwater resources for generations to come.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has begun a study on the Ottawa River watershed, and it is engaging Canadians on this initiative. The study is in response to Motion M-104—from Member of Parliament, David McGuinty—which was adopted by the House of Commons, on May 3, 2017.
A healthy watershed is vital to the economic, ecological, and cultural well-being of the people who live around it. The input from Indigenous Peoples, citizens, and organizations is important as it will feed into the study, which will examine the current knowledge about the Ottawa River watershed and how best to protect, manage, and conserve it.
Canadians can join the conversation on the Ottawa River Watershed Study:
- By visiting the website PlaceSpeak, where information and questions will be updated as the study progresses
- By attending the public meetings to be held in the National Capital Region, on
- Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 40 Elgin Street (2nd floor), Ottawa, Ontario, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 25 Laurier Street (salle des Fêtes), Gatineau, Quebec, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Quotes
“I am committed to protecting Canada’s freshwater resources. I have a long-standing personal connection to the Ottawa River. I live near the river, I swim in it, I paddle on it, and I bike and play along the river with my family. I encourage everyone to participate in the Ottawa River Watershed Study and help shape the future of this river.”
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The Ottawa River is the jewel in the crown of the National Capital Region. Our collective history is built around it, and the watershed plays a crucial role in the daily lives of those who live around it, whether it is for our overall economic, ecological, or cultural well-being. Therefore, it is important to look at how we can manage the watershed collectively as best as we can.”
– David McGuinty, Member of Parliament
Quick Facts
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The Ottawa River watershed
- is one of Canada’s largest watersheds, covering more than 140 000 square kilometers;
- encompasses more than 200 municipalities, with more than 2 million residents;
- is the largest tributary of the St. Lawrence River; and
- provides habitat for many species, including a number of species at risk.
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More than 20 Indigenous communities are located within or near this watershed, including Algonquin, Métis, and Mohawk Nations.
Associated Links
Contacts
Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
613-462-5473
marie-pascale.desrosiers@canada.ca
Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada’s Facebook page
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