International Joint Commission

Description

The International Joint Commission is a bi-national body set up by Canada and the United States to manage shared boundary waters.

It was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, with its mandate widened by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1972. It approves and monitors projects such as dams and diversions that affect water levels and flows across the border, including at Sault Ste. Marie, Niagara Falls and Cornwall Massena. International boards of control oversee compliance with these approvals on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River systems.

When asked by the two governments, the commission investigates transboundary disputes over water and air quality and recommends solutions, working through boards made up of equal numbers of experts from each country. It coordinates with the Great Lakes Water Quality Board and Science Advisory Board on water quality and regulation planning, including through its Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee. It also collects public comment on air quality progress reports under the Canada United States Air Quality Agreement.

Six commissioners, three appointed by each country, lead the organization, supported by numerous boards covering specific rivers, lakes and watersheds along the border. The commission operates from offices in Ottawa, Washington and Windsor, and its recommendations, while not binding, are generally accepted by both governments.