Decision Time: Water Diversion Policy in the Great Lakes
Ralph Pentland and James M. Olson
September 09, 2004
- English
This is the first publication in the One Issue, Two Voices series presented by the Canada Institute. Using expertise from both sides of the Canada—U.S. border, this series contributes to dialogue on policy issues relevant to the bilateral relationship. In this first paper, the issue is "water," specifically the developing policy on diversions from the Great Lakes. Ralph Pentland and Jim Olson are leading experts on the Great Lakes, and have willingly entered the debate to share their informed opinions.
The authors note that Canada and the United States share one of the world's largest supplies of fresh water and stress that how both countries choose to use that water has global consequences. On both sides of the Canada—U.S. border, important policy is being made which will have far-reaching consequences for the Great Lakes basin. The Annex 2001 Agreement, initiated by the Council of Great Lakes Governors and developed over the last few years, entered a 90-day public comment period on July 19, 2004. As a supplement to the Great Lakes Charter, the agreement will set a common standard for water diversions for both states and provinces in the basin. The decisions made on this issue will have far-reaching implications for the water resources of the Great Lakes Basin.