Discussions between Canada and the United States have begun toward amending the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The parties to the agreement wish to provide an opportunity for public input into the process through two in-person Public Forums (one in Canada and one in the United States), and a webinar, as well as an opportunity for written comments.  The purpose of these meetings will be to review significant changes being contemplated for an amended Agreement.

The public webinar will be held on September 13, 2011 from 2pm – 5pm (EDT)/ 1pm – 4pm (CDT).  Registration is available at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/782986200.

The U.S. Public Forum will be on September 13, 2011 at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offices at 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois (Illinois Room, 12th Floor), 9am to 1pm (CDT).  To register, e-mail: glwqa@glnpo.net (please include your name, affiliation and contact information).

The Canada Public Forum will be on September 8, 2011 at The Sutton Place Hotel, 955 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario (The Royal Sutton Ballroom), 1pm to 5pm (EDT).  To register, e-mail: glwqa-aqegl@ec.gc.ca (please include your name, affiliation and contact information).

You can provide written comments on significant changes being contemplated for an amended GLWQA until September 20, 2011.  Please visit binational organization’s public engagement page to review information on the amendments under consideration. To submit comments to the  Chief Negotiators, send them, along with your name, affiliation and contact information, to: glwqa-aqegl@ec.gc.ca AND glwqa@glnpo.net.