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Quebec adopts a National Water Policy
A document accompanying the new National Water Policy adopted by the Government of Quebec in November 2002 noted that water management in Quebec is not only an issue of protection, restoration and development of this resource, it is also a question of the way things are done. And, as the document explains, this way of doing things should involve all stakeholders in the St. Lawrence.
The government accordingly made a commitment in the policy to implement integrated management of the St. Lawrence, based on cooperation among the players involved, and having regard to local and regional as well as overall concerns. This type of “enlightened, forward-looking, concerted and integrated” governance will allow every community to have a vision for the many decisions and actions affecting the St. Lawrence, including through issue tables across the territory. The proposed governance model, based on an ecosystemic approach, is designed to apply generally to the main waterway, shoreline, banks, wetlands, islands, archipelagos, riverine lakes and tributaries of the St. Lawrence, from the Ontario border to and including the Gulf.
This ambitious integrated management project is now being sustained by the two governments, through the St. Lawrence Plan for a Sustainable Development. Following consultations of all sectors likely to be affected by the initiative, the St. Lawrence Plan has developed a concept to implement the project, which could be officially launched, with partners from all sectors, by 2010.
Date modified: 2008/08/05 – Important Notices
