Ontario introduces bill to protect Great LakesIce-covered Lake Huron is seen from the shore in Goderich, Ont. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. (Scott Miller / CTV London) The province is introducing legislation that it says will protect the Great Lakes. The government says if passed, The Great Lakes Protection Act would help fight climate change, reduce harmful algae blooms and protect wetlands and other coastal areas. The legislation also includes provisions for monitoring and reporting on the health of the lakes. Environment Minister Glen Murray says the Great Lakes are vitally important to the people of Ontario for drinking water, quality of life and prosperity. The province says more than 95 per cent of Ontario's agricultural land is in the Great Lakes basin.