June 22 – Since 1988, the governments of Canada and Quebec have been working together to conserve, restore, protect and enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Thi collaboration has lasted over 30 years, and wishing to ensure continuity, both governments have committed to make the St. Lawrence healthy and sustainable for generations to come. Their targeted actions have helped to:
- reduce pollution;
- conserve, rehabilitate and develop habitat for plants and animals;
- encourage sustainable navigation practices;improve knowledge and understanding of the St. Lawrence;
- promote community outreach and involvement.
In order to continue this work while adapting to the emerging problems facing the St. Lawrence River, in 2011, the governments of Canada and Quebec committed to renewing this partnership for a fifteen-year period with the signature of the 2011–2026 CanadaQuebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence.
This agreement, commonly known as the “St. Lawrence Action Plan” (SLAP), involves ten departments and agencies from theGovernment of Canada and nine departments and agencies from the Government of Quebec. To implement the plan, three 5-year plans have been adopted, including those for 2011–2016 and 2016–2021. The most recent plan adopted will cover the 2021–2026 period. It will be implemented jointly by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Quebec Department of Environment and the Fight against Climate Change.
In keeping with the 2016–2021 programming, the 2021–2026 programming comprises 32 projects aimed at biodiversity conservation, sustainability of uses, and improved water quality in the St. Lawrence. Government of Canada / Read more