Ontario, Quebec and the eight American States surrounding the Great Lakes have signed a far-reaching and welcome agreement that should lead to a ban on large-scale water diversions from the basin. The vast supply of fresh water in the lakes has long been eyed by thirsty southwestern States as an easy resource to tap into to meet their increasing demands. However, the fragility of the lakes’ water supply has always been a concern. Although the Great Lakes contain 20 per cent of the world’s and 95 per cent of North America’s fresh water, only about one per cent of the water is replaced each year through precipitation and river inflows.
As a result, any significant tampering with the lakes’ supply could lead to a negative impact on fish stocks, wildlife, wetlands and shipping… In a speech to the Canadian Club in Calgary last week, Lougheed said two-thirds of U.S. states will face water shortages in the next 10 years: “They’re coming and they’re going to come in a very strong way. We should give a strong, firm ‘No way.’ We need it for ourselves. The supply is uncertain here.” Lougheed warned any battle over water could involve the Americans invoking NAFTA, which is silent on water exports, and possible economic retaliation from Washington.
Further momentum to that discussion also comes from U.S. President George W. Bush’s decision last year to appoint a cabinet-level task force to develop a blueprint for restoring the Great Lakes ecosystem, which is under pressure from pollution, invasive species and sewer overflows. On this side of the border, however, the future of the lakes isn’t getting any kind of meaningful debate despite the fact we are in the middle of a federal election campaign. That’s disappointing given the importance of supporting the plan to stop large-scale diversions, and the role that Ottawa must play in ensuring that the lakes thrive.
Here’s a reminder to the federal leaders on just how important the Great Lakes are to Canada. Lougheed believes protecting fresh water supply is more important than Alberta’s oil riches.
