OTTAWA – The Council of Canadians is encouraged to see that a Parliamentary Committee has heard some of our concerns around the flaws of the Great Lakes Annex. However, its report presented to Parliament today does nothing to protect Canadian jurisdiction over the Great Lakes. Moreover, the report gives no indication that the federal government will intervene to stop the Annex Agreements from moving forward, despite their disastrous implications.

“This report is watered-down and meaningless,” says Sara Ehrhardt, National Water Campaigner for the Council of Canadians. “It provides no imperative or course of action for the federal government to protect the Great Lakes from thirsty US interests. It is unacceptable to Canadians.“

The Committee heard from numerous environmental, policy experts, and social justice groups, including The Council of Canadians. Many witnesses expressed concern that the Annex will undermine Canadian jurisdiction over the Great Lakes.

The Committee’s report falls short of addressing the threat to the Great Lakes by legitimizing the Annex negotiation process and refusing to acknowledge the need for federal action.

“The Annex Agreements are nothing short of catastrophic,” says Ehrhardt. “In condoning this process, Parliament has condemned our Great Lakes to death by diversions.”

President George W. Bush will be visiting the Great Lakes states immediately following his visit to Canada. Despite this opportunity, there has been no word that Prime Minister Paul Martin intends to broach this issue with the President.

“When he meets with Bush next week, Paul Martin must make it clear that the Great Lakes are not a US watering hole,” says Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “Canadians want this shared resource protected, not plundered.”

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