Regional Organizations and Activities

International Joint Commission (IJC)

Objectives

The IJC was created by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty (BWT), signed by the United States and Great Britain, with a mandate to prevent and resolve disputes along Canada-U.S. boundary waters. The BWT provides that boundary waters and their benefits are to be shared equally and that shared waters are not to be polluted on either side to the injury of health or property of the other. In addition, when requested by governments, the IJC provides advice on matters affecting the shared environment.

Membership

The IJC is composed of six members, three appointed by the President of the United States (Dennis L. Schornack, Irene B. Brooks, Allen I. Olson) and three appointed by the Governor in Council of Canada (Herb Gray, Robert Gourd, Jack P. Blaney), on the advice of the Prime Minister. In carrying out their activities, the commissioners must act impartially, rather than representing the views of their respective governments.

To help fulfill its duties the IJC has established secretariats located in both Washington and Ottawa. In 1973, a binational office was also established in Windsor, Ontario, to assist the IJC in meeting its responsibilities under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). In addition, the IJC has established more than 20 boards, made up of experts from the United States and Canada.

Activities

The IJC has three separate roles:

Administrative: The IJC administers various water apportionment arrangements agreed to under the BWT, e.g., St. Lawrence Rivers;

Regulatory: The IJC's approval is required for any work in boundary waters affecting water levels on either side of the boundary, e.g., Peace Bridge expansion;

Investigative: The IJC studies, reports and makes recommendations on issues referred to by governments, e.g., water uses and international watershed boards. Subsequent agreements, such as the GLWQA and the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement, have expanded the role of the IJC. The Commission's work now includes assessing progress to restore the integrity of waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem, reporting on transboundary air and water pollution, persistent toxic substances, exotic species, and other matters of common concern along the international boundary.

Environment Canada's Involvement

Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) has the overall federal lead for the IJC. Environment Canada provides expert advice and direction to FAC on the environmental aspects of the IJC's activities. Many Environment Canada personnel participate as members of IJC boards or task forces and provide expert opinion under references directed to the IJC by governments.

http://www.ijc.org