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News Release

For immediate release
April 7, 2003

EVES GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS ANOTHER WATER COMMITMENT
New Drinking Water Management Division at Ministry of the Environment

TORONTO: The Ernie Eves government has achieved another milestone in its continuing commitment to implement all of the recommendations of the Walkerton Inquiry by creating a new drinking water management division in the Ministry of the Environment.

The new division will have lead responsibility for program and operational activities relating to the protection and provision of safe drinking water in Ontario. It will be led by an Assistant Deputy Minister who will also serve as the Chief Water Inspector. Both the creation of this division, as well as the creation of a Chief Water Inspector, respond to several recommendations included in the second report of the Walkerton Inquiry led by Commissioner Dennis O’Connor.

“We are fully committed to implementing all of Commissioner O’Connor’s recommendations, and today’s announcement shows we’re continuing aggressively to do that,” said Minister of the Environment Chris Stockwell. “Over the past few years we have added more than 300 positions to the ministry, and the changes announced today will enhance the ministry’s leadership role in ensuring safe drinking water for the people of Ontario.”

The ministry will work over the next few months to implement the new organization.

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