May 31, 2010 -- As part of its Open Ontario Plan the province is taking steps to make Ontario the leading clean water jurisdiction in North America.
To be introduced later today, the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act would, if passed, encourage the creation and export of innovative clean water technology, promote water conservation, attract economic development and create jobs. Among the proposals, the proposed act would:
• Make Ontario a North American leader in developing and selling water technologies and services through the creation of the Water Technology Acceleration Project (TAP) - a technology hub bringing together industry, academics and government to develop the sector and promote it abroad.
• Encourage Ontarians to use water more efficiently by creating and implementing innovative approaches to conservation.
• Strengthen sustainable municipal water planning by helping them identify and plan for long term infrastructure needs.
Ontario companies are already leading the way globally, employing 22,000 people and selling technologies and services for water around the world. These initiatives would help Ontarians use less water while paving the way for the growth of Ontario's water technology sector in the rapidly expanding global market.
"We want Ontario to provide the solutions the world is calling for. Innovative made-in-Ontario technology will help us conserve and protect our water, create jobs and boost our economy," said John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment.
"Ontario has what it takes to be a major player in the global market for water and wastewater technology. By bringing our strengths in CleanTech companies and research together with major water consumers from around the world, the Water Technology Acceleration Project will help us capture a bigger piece of that market, support innovation and create more jobs for Ontarians," said John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation.
QUICK FACTS
• Water and wastewater technology is the largest sub-sector of Ontario's environment industry generating $1.8 billion in sales.
• The water technology sector is valued at more than $400 billion worldwide, doubling every five to six years.
• Only one percent of the world's water is fresh and renewable.
• On average, Ontarians use 260 litres of water per day - twice as much as countries like Germany and the UK.
• Five minutes of rinsing dishes under a faucet uses up to 95 litres of water.
LEARN MORE
Read about the proposed Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act >
Watch a video about an innovative Ontario water tech company that's already making a difference >
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