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Developments

Over the past three years, Canada and the U.S. have made major efforts to rejuvenate the IJC, a process endorsed during the Prime Minister's visit to Washington in April 1997. In May 1997, the Prime Minister, through a call to the President, initiated a conference on the Red River flood, addressing the causes and effects, and measures to reduce damage from future floods. Following a request from governments, the IJC produced a report (The IJC and the 21st Century) on how the IJC could best assist in addressing future environmental challenges. Canada and the U.S. have agreed on a reference to establish the first watershed board along the border, one of the recommendations of the 21st Century report. In February 1999, Canada and the U.S. agreed on a reference on the effects of consumption, diversion and removal from boundary waters, with special emphasis on the Great Lakes. In March 2000, the IJC submitted to governments a final report (Protection of the Waters of the Great Lakes). See the Bulk Water Removal section of this website for details.