TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION     Biennial Reports -- A Tradition and a Requirement     Previous Recommendations     Why a Ninth Biennial Report?     The Issue -- Toxic and Persistent Toxic Substances     Commission Consultation -- Other Issues and Background Reports COMPLETING THE JOURNEY     The Journey Thus Far     Why We Must Persist     The Destination        Characterization of the Agreement's Purpose ACHIEVING THE FUTURE -- HOW TO DO IT     Successes Thus Far     Are We Unable to Get from Here to There?     The Responsibility of Governments       Legislation, Regulations and Programs       Deregulation, Devolution and Downsizing -- "3 D"       Voluntary Measures and Partnerships       Investing in the Future -- Implementing Change     Contaminant Sources, Pathways and Reservoirs       Contaminated Sediment       Air Pollution       Agricultural Practices     Areas of Concern and Lake-wide Management Plans     Fundamental Supporting Programs       Science and Research       Communication of Scientific Information -- Linking Science and Policy       Ecosystem Models -- Contributions to Problem Definition and Resolution       Surveillance and Monitoring          Program development          Effects of budget cuts on monitoring     Specific Persistent Toxic Substances       Dioxins and Furans       Mercury       Polychlorinated Biphenyls       Radioactivity     Perspective and Orientation       Communication and Public Participation       Transition       Social and Economic Value of Ecosystem Restoration and Pollution Prevention     Governance -- The Case for Flexibility and Change       Key Players          Governments          Native Americans and First Nations          Industry          Environmental non-governmental organizations          Labour          The Public          The Commission          All of us RECOMMENDATIONS SIGNATURES APPENDIX A: 1995­97 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES APPENDIX B: INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION REPORTS ISSUED 1995-97 WITH RESPECT TO GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY APPENDIX C: OTHER ISSUES AND CONCERNS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC    NOTES    BIBLIOGRAPHY