The Government of Canada's Response to Comments: VI. Coordination of Monitoring, Research and Information Annex

Information Sharing: Commenters identified the importance of data/information sharing and requested more details of how access to information would be facilitated under COA.

Response: It is recognized that data and information must be made readily available to resource managers, decision-makers and the public in a consistent manner, to ensure that decisions are based on the best available data. Accessible data and information will also support an engaged and energized Great Lakes community.

Work undertaken previously has greatly improved the ability for the Great Lakes community to access and share data and information. The Agreement will continue the development of Lakeviews - an online system offering a web-based user-friendly window to environmental data.

The Agreement will also promote and maintain the web-based inventory of monitoring programs and activities in the Great Lakes.