Two Ontario cabinet ministers have been added to the list of speakers for the tenth annual Grand River Watershed Water Forum on Sept. 17.
John Wilkinson, who was named Minister of Environment in an August cabinet shuffle, will appear. He represents the riding of Perth-Wellington, which takes in part of the Grand River watershed. Prior to the shuffle, he was Minister of Revenue and before that Minister of Research and Innovation.
Glen Murray entered the cabinet for the first time in August when he was named Minister of Research and Innovation. He was elected to the legislature in January after winning a byelection in the riding of Toronto Centre. He was mayor of Winnipeg from 1998 to 2004.
The one-day forum is called Inspiring Grand Transformations: Our Preferred Future and will feature speeches, panel discussions and displays on the current state and the future of the watershed.
Keynote speaker for the event is noted painter and environmentalist Ken Kirkby, of Bowser B.C. who will offer his special insights into how individuals can make a difference in today’s world.
Two panel discussions will examine how we are managing and conserving the water resources of the Grand and their importance to our economy and quality of life.
Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller will take a look back at the ten years of the water forum. Joe Farwell, the GRCA’s assistant Chief Administrative Officer for resources will present the annual GRCA watershed report.
The event takes place at the head office of the Grand River Conservation Authority, 400 Clyde Road in Cambridge from 8am to 3:30pm. Registration is open to the public. Details about the program, speakers and registration (including an online registration process) can be found in the Water Forum section of the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca.
The registration fee is $100, or $55 for students and seniors, plus tax.
The fee includes lunch.
