MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2001

Bush Announcement Ends Myth That Canada's Water is Safe from Bulk Export

(Ottawa) Today's news that U.S. President George W. Bush wants to negotiate a continental water agreement ends any pretence that Canada's water is protected from the thirsty American South-west.

"Instead of acting decisively to protect our water from nearly five decades of bulk export schemes the Canadian government has spent the last two years trying to reassure Canadians that there is nothing to worry about," said Jamie Dunn, Water Campaigner for The Council of Canadians. "Now we know Canadians' concerns were justified."

"Four months ago, Jean Chrétien signalled to George Bush that he was willing to turn on the tap by reversing his government's opposition to bulk water exports," said Maude Barlow, Volunteer Chairperson for the Council of Canadians. "What the government has put in place under the pretence of protecting our water looks more like the basis of a water export industry. With Bill C-6 through committee and on its way back to the House, the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs will soon have the authority to grant water export licenses. Canadians wanted bulk exports banned and the Liberals are opening the floodgates."

The Council of Canadians is leading a national campaign to ban bulk water exports.

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