TORONTO – May 26, 2005 -- Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today jointly launched Our Great Lakes, a public-friendly, plain-language report which outlines the major issues concerning Canadians and Americans about the health of the Great Lakes. Our Great Lakes addresses the state of the Great Lakes, what is being done to restore and protect them, and how all of us can reduce our environmental impacts. The report simplifies key scientific information sources, principally the 2003 State of the Great Lakes report from the 2003 State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference. “The Great Lakes sustain the lives of 33 million people. Each one of us can play a part in improving the Great Lakes, both for our well-being and as an invaluable legacy for our children,” said the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. “As reflected in the 2005 Budget, we renewed our commitment to the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Action Plan and will provide a further $40 million over the next five years. This joint publication highlights the need for closer and closer co-operation between Canada and the United States in environmental matters. Our Great Lakes is a kind of detailed check-up for the ecosystem. I invite you to take a look at it.” The report addresses the safety of water for drinking and recreational activities, the edibility of fish, the health of fish, birds and wildlife, and the impact of non-native species. The report calls the impact from non-native species the greatest threat to the Great Lakes in the 21st century. The report also includes practical advice on what the public can do to keep the Great Lakes cleaner and healthier. This report is available in both print and online at www.on.ec.gc.ca/greatlakes/default.asp?lang=En&n=2A68CF24-1. Further information about the Great Lakes is available at www.on.ec.gc.ca/greatlakes. Related Documents: Environment Canada, U.S. EPA Issue Great Lakes Health Report [2005-05-26, Backgrounder] For more information, please contact: Jack Saunders Communications Advisor/Media Relations Environment Canada - Ontario Region (416) 739-4785 Harvey Shear Science Advisor Environment Canada - Ontario Region (416) 739-4704
