Bill C-250

1st Session, 40th Parliament,

57 Elizabeth II, 2008

house of commons of canada

BILL C-250

An Act to prohibit the export of water by interbasin transfers

Whereas it is recognized that water is one of Canada’s most valuable natural resources;

Whereas Canada is committed to preserv­ing water resources within its boundaries;

And whereas Canada will continue to promote adherence to the Boundary Waters Treaty by Canada and by the United States when managing boundary water matters;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the Canada Water Export Prohibition Act.

INTERPRETATION

2. For the purposes of this Act, “Minister” means the Minister of the Environment.

HER MAJESTY

3. This Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province.

INTERBASIN TRANSFERS

4. Notwithstanding any other Act of Parliament, no person shall export water from Canada by interbasin transfers.

5. The Minister shall take such measures as are necessary to prevent the export of water by interbasin transfers.

6. For the purpose of facilitating the formulation of policies and programs with respect to interbasin transfers within Canada, the Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into an arrangement with one or more provincial or territorial governments

(a) to conduct research on the effects of interbasin transfers;

(b) to maintain continuing consultation on interbasin transfers; and

(c) to formulate and coordinate the implementation of interbasin transfer policies and programs.

JUDICIAL REVIEW

7. Any person may apply for judicial review of the Minister’s exercise or non-exercise of any power or fulfilment or non-fulfilment of any duty conferred or imposed on the Minister by this Act, whether or not the person applying for it is affected or has suffered damages.