Volume 23, Issue 3, 1998 November/December 1998

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 Shaping the Future: A Strategic Plan for the IJC Façonner l'avenir: plan stratégique de la CMI Sea-to-Sea Overview of Transboundary Air Quality Issues Released by the IJC Canada Appoints New Commissioner The IJC Welcomes New U.S. Secretary Contaminated Sediment Highlighted at Mayors' Conference Future Research Priorities Can Help Make the Lakes Great Adaptively Managing RAPs: Hope Is Not a Method Linking Water Quality to Wildlife and Human Health U.S. and Canada Celebrate 90 Years of Cooperation Columns Briefs Perspectives RAPSHEET Bookshelf Events

Shaping the Future Every ending signals a new beginning and presents us with an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and use them as building blocks for the future. As the 20th century draws to a close, the International Joint Commission is doing just that reflecting on our achievements, present issues of concern and how we can best assist the governments of Canada and the United States in the 21st century. The IJC recently completed a strategic plan outlining the objectives it will pursue over the coming years to fulfill its mandate. The strategy provides a foundation for future action and work plans and incorporates a mission statement and guiding principles that will lead the Commission into the next millennium. The International Joint Commission was created 90 years ago by visionaries who saw the need for the two countries to cooperate regarding transboundary water issues and give such responsibilities to an independent binational body. This was unheard of at the time and remains unique today The Commission s work on boundary water issues, transboundary air issues and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement upholds this futuristic and critical concept.