Volume 23, Issue 3, 1998 November/December 1998

Shaping the Future: A Strategic Plan for the IJC

by Thomas Baldini and Leonard Legault

The IJC recently adopted a formal strategic plan, outlining the objectives it will pursue in the coming years to fulfill its mandate.

The plan incorporates a mission statement for the IJC and guiding principles that set out its values or code of ethics. It establishes the standards by which the Commission must judge itself and be judged by others. Also included are objectives that establish five strategic goals that will sustain and enhance the IJC's relevance and effectiveness to lead it into the next millennium.

The strategic plan is not an action plan or work plan, but will provide the foundation for such plans covering all areas of the Commission's work. While the strategic plan represents long-term commitments, it will receive periodic review and revision in light of new developments in the transboundary area between the U.S. and Canada.

The IJC has adopted the following mission statement:

The International Joint Commission prevents and resolves disputes between the United States of America and Canada under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and pursues the common good of both countries as an independent and objective adviser to the two governments.

In particular, the Commission rules upon applications for approval of projects affecting boundary or transboundary waters and may regulate the operation of these projects; it assists the two countries in the protection of the transboundary environment, including the implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the improvement of transboundary air quality; and it alerts the governments to emerging issues along the boundary that may give rise to bilateral disputes.

The IJC also has adopted six objectives:

1. Sustaining and enhancing the Commission's effectiveness and relevance in preventing disputes and resolving issues concerning transboundary water levels and flows.
2. Sustaining and enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the Commission's boards.
3. Sustaining and enhancing the Commission's assistance to the Parties in the implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
4. Sustaining and enhancing the Commissions effectiveness and relevance in the protection of the transboundary environment from coast to coast.
5. Sustaining and enhancing the Commission's effectiveness and relevance in the protection of transboundary air quality.
6. Sustaining and enhancing the Commission's operational effectiveness and institutional capacity.

The IJC has adopted 13 guiding principles:

1. The Commission gives full effect to the spirit and purpose of its mandate as expressed in relevant agreements and references.

2. As a binational institution, the Commission maintains strict impartiality in the performance of its duties.

3. Commissioners represent only the Commission and not the government that has appointed them. Advisers and staff members serve only the Commission and not their respective governments. Members of the Commission's boards or similar bodies serve on such bodies in their personal and professional capacity and not as representatives of the agencies or organizations that employ them.

4. While the Commission comprises two sections and maintains offices in Washington, Ottawa and Windsor, it remains a single integrated body working collegially in a spirit of openness, mutual trust and confidence, and in the common interest of both countries.

5. The Commission seeks to achieve consensus wherever possible, both in its own deliberations and those of its boards and similar bodies.

6. The Commission employs joint fact-finding as a foundation for building consensus and determining appropriate action.

7. The Commission affords all parties interested in any matter before it a convenient opportunity to be heard. It promotes the engagement of state, provincial and municipal governments and other authorities in the resolution of these matters.

8. While directing its advice and assistance to governments, the Commission takes account of the need to foster public awareness of the issue in question and ensure that the public is able to contribute to the consideration and implementation of its assessments by governments.

9. The Commission's advice must be not only independent and objective but also timely, well-founded, honest, and relevant.

10. In environmental matters, the Commission affirms the concept of sustainable development, the ecosystem approach, and the virtual elimination and zero discharge of persistent toxic substances. While emphasizing the importance of a sound scientific basis for its conclusions and recommendations, the Commission also recognizes that it may sometimes be necessary to adopt a precautionary approach and to act even in the absence of a scientific consensus where prudence is essential to protect the public welfare.

11. The Commission's rules of procedure must be in accordance with justice and equity.

12. The Commission adheres to the highest ethical standards in all its activities.

13. The Commission seeks to ensure the inclusion of appropriate expertise in the membership of its boards, while drawing that expertise from a diversity of sources on a non-discriminatory basis.