Sopuck pleased with IISD signing memorandum regarding future of Experimental Lakes Area

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Published on Friday, May 10, 2013

myWestman.ca

Robert Sopuck, member of parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette was pleased that the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Canada on the future of the Experimental Lakes Area.

“This agreement is a major accomplishment in the transition of the Experimental Lakes Area to a third party operator and is the result of seven months of confidential negotiations between the federal government and IISD," Sopuck said in a release.

IISD is a Manitoba-based, internationally-renowned public policy research institute for sustainable development.  It champions sustainable development around the world through innovation, partnerships, research and communications.

The agreement between the federal government and IISD provides a framework to move forward with IISD so they can become the new operator of the unique, world-class Experimental Lakes Area.  In order to facilitate the smooth transition of the facility, this agreement addresses past and ongoing responsibilities, remediation of the lakes and the site, the transfer of material assets needed to operate the site, operational support, data sharing and other matters.
 
“I was on the founding board of the IISD in Winnipeg with the Filmon government and I know that they have the expertise to manage the Experimental Lakes Area into the future,” concluded Sopuck.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will conduct a sampling program over the summer of 2013 to maintain important scientific research and ensure that long-term data sets can continue uninterrupted.  Fisheries and Oceans Canada will work with scientists who have active research at the Experimental Lakes Area to support their needs for the upcoming summer research season, including monitoring activities and requirements to access their equipment.
 
IISD will continue discussions with the landowner, the Province of Ontario, on an agreement to operate the site going forward. Both Fisheries and Oceans Canada and IISD are committed to ensuring that these discussions are successful.

News release