This NY Times op-ed by the Canadian ambassador to the U.S. is not just about some saline lake in North Dakota. It has to do with the same treaty that requires the two nations to consult and work together on Great Lakes protection. Thus, if North Dakota's governor ignores treaty concerns and moves ahead, relations on Great Lakes issues could be undercut. When it comes to water exports especially, Canada is Michigan's best friend, and a friend of all the Lakes states.
"Despite concerns on both sides of the border about maintaining safe water sources, North Dakota has decided to pump out Devils Lake water without undertaking any environmental assessment or establishing ecological safeguards.
"There is a solution to this impending crisis. Nearly 100 years ago, Canada and the United States established the Boundary Waters Treaty. Under that treaty the two governments set up an International Joint Commission to address differences of opinion involving boundary waters. So far, of the 53 issues the two countries have jointly referred to the commission, 51 have been resolved by mutual agreement."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/12/opinion/12mckenna.html?
Posted by Dave at May 12, 2005 12:15 PM