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Canada commits $420 million for Great Lakes environmental work during Biden visit

Last Updated Mar 24, 2023 at 2:15 pm MDT

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden take part in a meeting on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Friday, March 24, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA — The federal government says it will commit $420 million to preserve and restore waters of the Great Lakes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement during the visit of United States President Joe Biden, whose country has also committed money to protect those shared waters.

The funding is intended improve water and restore ecosystems in 10 areas — seven in Canadian waters and three shared by the two countries.

The goals include stopping the spread of harmful algae blooms and the release of harmful chemicals. 

Trudeau’s announcement follows a 2021 promise from the U.S. that committed $1 billion over five years. 

The Great Lakes account for almost 20 per cent of the world’s surface fresh water and provide drinking water for about 40 million people on both sides of the border

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2023.

The Canadian Press