February 14, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the proposed Experimental Lakes Area Research Activities Regulations have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 30-day public comment period, ending on March 16, 2014. This next step in the process is in keeping with the Government of Canada’s commitment to transition the Experimental Lakes Area to a third party.
When finalized later this spring, these regulations would authorize the new operator to continue scientific research at the Experimental Lakes Area. Conditions in this new regulatory framework will ensure adherence to sound scientific practices and minimize environmental impacts to provide for the long term protection of the lakes.
Following the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding announced on September 2nd, 2013, negotiations to establish a new operator for the Experimental Lakes Area are ongoing between the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Government of Canada (led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada) and the Government of Ontario. The three parties committed to ensuring that definitive agreements are finalized with a prospective operator of the Experimental Lakes Area by March 31, 2014.
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-14-07E
