The Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem (COA) has been amended and extended to June 2012

March 24, 2011 – The 2007 Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem (COA) has been amended by extending the Agreement to June 24, 2012, and adding six new commitments to address harmful pollutants; spills prevention and response; nearshore framework; binational cooperative monitoring programs; stewardship activities; and the Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan.

COA establishes an action plan and clear roles and responsibilities between federal and provincial ministries, and helps Canada meet its commitments under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). This amendment allows Canada and Ontario to continue their important work to protect and restore the Great Lakes while the governments of Canada and the United States negotiate amendments to the GLWQA.

Related Links:

• Minister Kent’s letter to Minister Wilkinson (PDF Format, 880KB)
• Minister Wilkinson’s letter to Minister Kent (PDF Format; 2MB)
• 2007-2010 Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem
  • Proposed Extension of the 2007-2011 Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem dated January 12, 2011
  • Approval of Extension of the 2007-2010 Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem dated March 31, 2010
  • Proposed Extension of the 2007-2010 Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem
• Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement