Great Lakes Advocate Has High Hopes For New Canadian PM

A Great Lakes advocate said Thursday that he hopes that a new administration in Canada spurs more protection of the five lakes.

Liberal Justin Trudeau is taking over as Canadian prime minister, replacing conservative Stephen Harper. Trudeau’s father, Pierre Trudeau, signed the U.S.-Canadian Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement when he led Canada as prime minister in 1972.

Todd Ambs of the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition said he hopes the younger Trudeau will recommit to that deal.

“We’ve got some new provisions in the water quality agreement, particularly as it relates to reducing polluted runoff into the Great Lakes,” said Ambs. “It’s going to be very important to see a strong commitment from both Canada and the U.S.”

Ambs said he also hopes Justin Trudeau works with the province of Ontario, which this year passed a Great Lakes Protection Act.

The Chicago-based Environmental Law and Policy Center said it also hopes to team up with the Canadians on clean air issues.