Volume 21, Issue 2, 1996 July/August 1996

The International Joint Commission is an independent international organization established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. Its purpose is to help prevent disputes over use of waters shared by Canada and the United States and to provide advice on questions of mutual concern when requested by the two federal governments. Three members are appointed by the President of the United States, with advice and approval of the Senate, and three by the Governor-in-Council of Canada, on the advice of Prime Minister.

Features Commission Issues Eighth Biennial Report La Commission publie son Huitiéme rapport biennal CAMP Shows that Transition Is a Growth Industry The Western Lake Superior Sanitation District Leads Toxic reduction Efforts International Joint Commission Adopts Strategic Plan for Great Lakes Restoration Activities Columns Briefs RapSheet Bookshelf Events

Making the Transition to a Clean Economy How can we make the transition to a clean economy without undercutting workers' earnings, impoverishing communities and lowering our standard of living? As this issue of Focus suggests, there is no single answer to this question. The Eighth Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality proposes that a deliberate process of transition away from an economy that generates persistent toxic substances is needed now to avoid more costly consequences in the future. Initiatives must be taken at all levels. The most innovation often occurs at the community and plant level. Global transition initiatives are needed to create a "level playing field" when required changes are not supported in the short term by competitive markets. CAMP's Organochlorine Project shows that innovative manufacturing processes can eliminate pollution and create economic growth. Providing technical assistance is essential to furthering the transition process by helping entrepreneurs develop market opportunities. The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District demonstrates how a local unit of government can exercise leadership that is felt around the Great Lakes basin and beyond.

Revised: 13 February 1997
Maintained by Kevin McGunagle, mcgunaglek@ijc.wincom.net

URL: www.ijc.org/rel/focus/v21i2/focus.html