Great Lakes Section

Toronto, ON -- The Great Lakes Protection Act Alliance - representing six environmental groups - is delighted that Ontario Minister of the Environment Jim Bradley re-introduced the Great Lakes Protection Act today as the new government’s first legislative agenda item.

“We’re thrilled that the Great Lakes are a priority for the government,” said Sarah Winterton, Acting Executive Director, Environmental Defence. “Improving protection for the source of drinking water for 80 per cent of Ontarians and protecting our shorelines and beaches is the right thing to do, and we urge all parties to work together to pass a strong Act.”

The bill was first introduced June 6, 2012, but died on the order table when the legislature was prorogued. Next, the bill will be debated, and amendments considered by an all-party committee.... Read more »

Radio interview with Great Lakes Section Chair Mary Muter includes radio call in and discussion of multiple issues related to the Great Lakes: i.e. water levels management, the Asian Carp threat and the late 2012 fish kills in Georgian Bay. 
http://www.zoomerradio.ca/shows/goldhawk-fights-back/podcast-goldhawk-fights-back/gfb-podcast-mary-muter/

New information from the internationally respected coastal consulting firm W.F.Baird & Assoc.comes this very disturbing report that Lakes Michigan/Huron/Georgian Bay water levels based on many historic trends should be 50cm higher than they are right now. Baird agrees that climate is a factor but that the rate of erosion in the St Clair River that has lowered lake levels is ongoing and has likely increased very significantly.

Pressure is mounting on the U.S. and Canadian governments to explore ways to restore water levels on Lakes Michigan and Huron that have been lowered nearly two feet due to historic dredging on the St. Clair River. The two lakes, which are actually one body of water connected at the Straits of Mackinac, have been below their long-term average for more than a decade, and forecasters say in the coming months they could plunge below their record low.

Now an organization of 90 mayors representing more than 15 million residents in cities across the Great Lakes region is telling the International Joint Commission that it is "dissatisfied" with a recent study that determined restoring lake levels by installing some type of structure to repair damage done to the St. Clair River would be a costly project that could take decades and ultimately do more harm than good.... Read more »

Updated GLWQA signed in Washington DC, September 7, 2012

By Mary Muter, Chair Sierra Club Canada Great Lakes Section... Read more »

August 27, 2012

International Joint Commission, Canadian Section
234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 6K6  Canada

The Hon. John Baird
House of Commons
Ottawa,  Canada

International Joint Commission United States Section,
2000 L Street, NW
Suite #615
Washington, DC 20036  USA

Dear IJC Canadian and United States Commissioners;

Thank you for providing the opportunity to comment during your recent public hearings and in writing on the International Upper Great Lakes Study Board’s (IUGLSB) Reports.... Read more »