Joint Statement from the Council of the Great Lakes Region and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

CGLR and the GLSL Cities Initiative Unite for Regional Economic Transformation

The Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s (GLSLCI) Mayors’ Commission on Economic Transformation are pleased to announce a partnership to guide the economic transformation of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region over the next 12 months. This joint effort will aim to strengthen the region’s long-term economic competitiveness, which starts in our cities and counties while protecting our environment and safeguarding our unique freshwater resources for future generations.

As two leading organizations dedicated to the prosperity and sustainability of a mega-region that is shared by Canada, the United States, and many Indigenous Nations and Peoples, with the five Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River at the region’s heart, the imperative to adapt to an evolving economic landscape in North America and globally and rapidly changing environment has never been greater. By engaging with all levels of government, business groups and corporate leaders, unions, higher education institutions and academia, environmental organizations, and other key stakeholders, we aim to develop comprehensive recommendations that will:

1. Foster Sustainable Economic Growth: We will identify and promote strategies to drive regional and local innovation, business growth, and job creation and to enhance agility in our economy and resiliency in our supply chains in order to be able to adapt to North American and global trends.
2. Protect and Enhance Freshwater Resources: Ensuring the health and sustainability of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River and the region’s natural resources more broadly is paramount to our future competitiveness. Our collaboration will focus on maintaining and improving surface and groundwater quality, promoting sustainable water use, and protecting nature and aquatic ecosystems.
3. Promote Collaborative Governance of economic issues by both countries: By convening and engaging a diverse network of stakeholders, we will build a robust, inclusive framework to demonstrate how collaborative governance (e.g., joint meetings, regulatory harmonization, investment, etc.) can create more economic growth and sustainable development.
4. Advance Research and Innovation: We will leverage academic and research institutions to drive scientific and technological advancements that support our economic and environmental objectives.

Over the next year, our organizations will host a series of consultations, workshops, and forums to gather insights and build consensus on the most effective strategies for the region. This collaborative approach will ensure our recommendations are well-informed, balanced, and actionable.

The CGLR and GLSLCI are committed to delivering a strategic plan that meets the current needs of our communities and industries and lays the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future. Together, we can balance economic growth and environmental stewardship dynamically, ensuring the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region remains a vibrant and competitive area for generations to come.

One month after over 100 Mayors from communities such as Chicago, Sorel-Tracy, Racine, and Thunder Bay gathered in Montreal to create the Mayor’s Commission on economic transformation, and on the final day of the Great Lakes Sustainable Growth Forum in Toronto, Cobourg Ontario Mayor Lucas Cleveland representing the GSLCI and Brian Ames, Chair of the Board of Directors representing CGLR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together toward economic transformation. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on this critical initiative.

Thank you in advance for your participation and support.

To learn more, please contact: