About the International Joint Commission

The IJC was established under the Canada-U.S. Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. From its beginning, the IJC's fundamental role has been to help prevent and resolve transboundary water resource and environmental disputes between the U.S. and Canada through processes that seek the common interest of both countries. When requested by the two governments, it provides non-binding recommendations on transboundary issues. The IJC also approves (though generally with conditions) projects that affect the levels and flows of boundary waters, such as the hydroelectric power plants at the outlets of Lakes Superior and Ontario. Finally, the Commission alerts the governments to emerging issues along the boundary that may have the potential to cause disputes.

Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the IJC analyzes information provided by the governments, assesses the effectiveness of programs in both countries and reports on progress toward meeting the Agreement's objectives. The IJC makes recommendations at least every two years based on the work of its scientific, engineering and policy experts.