Clean Water Act (Bill 43)

The Council undertook a review of the drinking water source protection program, as part of its ongoing role to advise the Minister of the Environment on issues relating to drinking water quality. For this review, the Council considered the document entitled "Watershed-Based Source Protection Planning -- A Threats Assessment Framework" (Report) prepared for the Minister of the Environment by the Technical Experts Committee in November, 2004. The report entitled "Watershed Based Source Protection: Implementation Committee Report" to the Minister of the Environment was also considered, but it was deemed to be less applicable to the mandate of this Council.

The Council transmitted its final advice letter on this issue on November 15, 2005, and based on its review of the Report, identified several areas to be given consideration as the Ministry of the Environment moves forward with drinking water source protection legislation and regulations.

The Council also engaged in the review or the draft Clean Water Act (Bill 43) that was posted on the Environmental Registry in December 12, 2005.  See the Posting here.

The Council transmitted its final advice letter to the Minister of the Environment on the draft Clean Water Act (Bill 43), on March 31, 2006, and feels that consideration of its comments and recommendations represents continuous improvement in the quality of drinking water for Ontarians, through the establishment of a sound Act, underpinned by sound regulations and guidance documentation.

Bill 43 House Hansard Links:

• April 12, 2006 (Second Reading)

• May 3, 2006 (Second Reading, continued)

• May 15, 2006 (Second Reading, continued)

• May 17, 2006 (Second Reading, continued)

• May 18, 2006 (Bill to be sent to the Committee on Social Policy, third reading)

The Council also remains engaged in reviewing other related documents such as proposed Regulations and associated Guidance Modules.

The Council transmitted its final advice letter to the Minister of the Environment on Drinking Water Source Protection on November 15, 2005. Click here to view the Council's advice.

The Council also transmitted its final advice letter to the Minister of the Environment on the Clean Water Act (Bill 43) on March 31, 2006. Click here to view the Council's advice.

More information can also be found on the Ministry of the Environment's Clean Water Act webpage.