Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, since March 31, Environment Canada has turned off the tap on funding to the Lake Superior binational program. Not only is this program designed to restore degraded areas and protect this unique headwater from pollution and urbanization but it is also part of long-standing commitments between Canada and the U.S. to protect and restore our Great Lakes.

Why is the government threatening Canada-U.S. relations by pulling the plug on this critical environmental initiative? When will it turn the tap back on?

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Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, every assumption in that question is absolutely false. We are in the midst of negotiating a renewed Great Lakes water quality agreement. I would advise the member that if she wishes to know more about our plans, to contact me at the department.

via Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 044 (Official Version).