Saving the St. Lawrence

For over three centuries, the St. Lawrence has been the driving force behind our economic and social development. In the 1980's it was struggling for survival. Progress had bit the hand that feed it. One of the largest rivers in the world had been neglected for years, leaving it polluted with thousands of toxic substances and bereft of some of its natural banks.

Over 60 percent of the population of Québec lives along the banks of the St. Lawrence. It provides us with both work and leisure. It supplies over 45 percent of the province's drinking water at present; therefore, it is vital to maintain or improve water quality.

The need for immediate action

The beginning of a solid partnership

The need for immediate action

In 1986, it was important to act, if we wanted to pass on this living heritage, the St. Lawrence River, to future generations. Most threatening was the problem of industrial pollution caused mainly by the many industrial plants, located along the river and on the Great Lakes, discharging chemical and toxic substances. Industrial pollution is difficult to eliminate because it often requires in-depth research and new technology. Therefore, in June 1988, the government of Canada announced the implementation of a vigorous clean-up and protection plan for the St. Lawrence River  investing $110 million for the 1988 and 1993 period.

The beginning of a solid partnership

The federal initiative led by Conservation and Protection of Environment Canada called upon other parts of the department, such as the Canadian Parks Service, to join in the effort. The departments of Fisheries and Oceans and Industry, Trade and Technology  also took part.

The ongoing efforts of the Québec Government to improve the quality of the river naturally make them a important partner: the "ministères de l'Environnement and du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche" had an expertise that was essential to the success of this vast undertaking.

Right from the start, all stakeholders capable of contributing to the success of the plan are rallied, for the St. Lawrence is everybody's business! Creating a harmonious parnership of all parties from other levels of government, universities and the private sector is essential. Environmental groups are also called upon to collaborate closely in the proposed activities, particularly with respect to the protection of wildlife habitats.

The public also plays an important role in this project, for its success depends on a collective effort which must be reflected in our everyday habits. Without a constant concern for the river's health in our day to day activities the clean-up project could be jeopardized.

A first harmonization agreement is signed on June 8, 1989 by the governments of Canada and Québec. Working together within their respective jurisdictions, the two governments agreed on objectives to be targeted in areas such as conservation, restoration, protection and the state of the environment (environmental technologies). Under the terms of the agreement, the governments harmonized activities with respect to the St. Lawrence, working to protect the river with sustainable development in mind.