Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): I rise today to share details about a productive meeting in my riding yesterday addressing the Clean Water Act with special guest the parliamentary assistant for the Minister of the Environment.

The Clean Water Act is significant, groundbreaking legislation which evolved from recommendations made by Justice O'Connor in the Walkerton inquiry. Yesterday's round table involved environmentalists, conservation experts, municipal representatives, private sector members and key leaders from our agricultural community. It was an excellent opportunity to debunk many of the myths that surround the Clean Water Act.

The Clean Water Act is the first drinking water program of its kind in Ontario. If passed, it will make $7 million available in 2007-08 for early actions to protect drinking water: $5 million will support action to protect land and water surrounding water wells and municipal intakes; and $2 million will support education and outreach related to source protection planning. The act requires consultation and collaboration with community partners to ensure safe drinking water.

The Clean Water Act is an example of the tremendous effort and importance our government places on working with local members of communities to achieve the best results for all Ontarians. The act will bring together the best minds in our community to protect our most valuable natural resource: our water.

I want to thank the parliamentary assistant.