The Decibel Why Canada’s water security is being threatened by Trump
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Aug 15, 2025 Patrick White, a reporter for The Globe and Mail who focuses on water issues, delves into the ramifications of recent U.S. policy shifts on the Great Lakes. He discusses the long-standing partnership in managing these waters and the potential threats posed by Trump's budget cuts to environmental agencies. White highlights the crucial links between water management, national security, and environmental health, all while emphasizing the urgent need for renewed cooperation between Canada and the U.S. in safeguarding this vital resource.
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Great Lakes Are Economically And Ecologically Critical
- The Great Lakes supply drinking water to 40 million people and underpin a roughly $6 trillion regional economy.
- Their ecological and economic value makes cross-border cooperation essential for both countries' wellbeing.
The River That Caught Fire Sparked Reform
- In 1969 the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland literally caught fire, symbolizing extreme industrial pollution.
- That crisis helped spur the creation of the EPA and the U.S. Clean Water Act, reshaping Great Lakes policy.
Cross-Border Fight Against Sea Lamprey
- Sea lamprey invaded the Great Lakes and devastated native fisheries until Canada and the U.S. created a joint control program.
- The binational lampricide program cut lamprey numbers 90–95% and helped native fish populations recover.