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Press Releases: MPs Form Common Front On Devils LakePosted on Wednesday, June 15 @ 07:31:33 CDT by capebretoner
Released June 14, 2005
Committee Unanimously Backs Resolution Calling for Urgent Action
OTTAWA – The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development today unanimously backed a resolution calling on the federal government to act decisively to stop a US water diversion project from imperiling Canadian ecosystems.
A planned diversion of polluted water from North Dakota’s Devils Lake into the Sheyenne River—from which it will flow to the Red River, across the border into Canada, and finally to Lake Winnipeg and Hudson’s Bay – is set to launch in July. The specific dangers of introducing foreign organisms and substances into Manitoba ecosystems are not yet known.
Canada-US water boundary issues are regulated by the Boundary Waters Treaty (1909) under the International Joint Commission. Today’s resolution calls on the federal government to exhaust “all diplomatic and/or legal options” to stop the Devils Lake diversion until it has been reviewed by the IJC.
NDP Environment Critic Nathan Cullen, who brought the issue to the committee, praised his colleagues: “We may be staring down the throat of a major threat to fragile ecosystems, a substantial commercial fishery, and Canadian sovereignty itself. It’s refreshing to see MPs from all parties choosing to work together when there’s so much at stake. “
On behalf of the committee today, Chair Alan Tonks (Liberal) also wrote to US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice: “If the State of North Dakota continues with the Devils Lake diversion, the ensuing weakening of the Boundary Waters Treaty will open the floodgates to many of these projects proceeding without the required oversight of the International Joint Commission.”
Conservative Environment Critic Bob Mills believes this issue never should have gotten to this point. “Over two years ago the Americans asked us if we wanted to refer this water diversion project to the IJC. Our government refused. Sadly, that mistake may do serious harm to our environment. It’s time to correct this.”
Bloc Québécois Environment Critic Bernard Bigras thinks that “ this project will create a dangerous precedent that may affect the boundary waters of Quebec and the United States.”
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), study on the diversion of waters from Devils Lake in North Dakota, United States into the Sheyenne River and eventually Lake Winnipeg
Resolution from Nathan Cullen
Whereas the unilateral decision by the State Government of North Dakota to divert waters from Devils Lake into the Sheyenne River and eventually Lake Winnipeg contravenes the Boundary Waters Treaty between Canada and the United States of America;
And whereas, such a contravention would set precedent for future negotiations under the said treaty;
And whereas such negotiations should most properly be reviewed by the International Joint Commission;
And whereas this review has not taken place;
And whereas the Devils Lake Diversion project is scheduled to begin operations in July, 2005;
And whereas the said water diversion may have serious and harmful ecological and economic repercussions in Canada;
Be it resolved that the Standing Committee on the Environment & Sustainable Development urgently calls upon the Government of Canada to immediately exhaust any and all diplomatic and/or legal options available to prevent any water diversion from Devils Lake, North Dakota until the project has been reviewed by the International Joint Commission.
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