International Elk - Kootenai/y Watershed Water Pollution Study

On March 8, 2024, the Governments of Canada and the United States provided a Reference that incorporates a proposal developed in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation to the International Joint Commission (IJC), under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, requesting the IJC undertake certain actions regarding the impact of transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed.

The actions outlined in the Reference will be conducted by two separate groups:

A Governance Body composed of representatives from each of the six Governments named in the Proposal incorporated into the Reference, with the IJC serving as secretariat.

An IJC Study Board composed of relevant subject matter experts and knowledge holders

Both of these groups will include Indigenous knowledge holders and technical experts from around the watershed.

Latest News Releases

November 19, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario/Washington, D.C. – Further to the Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Reference submitted to the International Joint Commission (IJC) in March 2024, the IJC is pleased to note the official Terms of Reference and the appointment of members by governments to the Governance Body of the Elk...

September 26, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario/Washington, D.C.  The International Joint Commission (IJC) is pleased to announce the formation of the International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board. Its formation complies with the Reference and supporting Proposal that the IJC received in March 2024. The IJC’s Directive to the...

The International Joint Commission (IJC) has launched a public comment period related to the study of transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed. This comment period will run from August 6-27 to provide interested parties with a convenient opportunity to share their perspectives...

The International Joint Commission (IJC) will host a one-hour virtual information session on transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed on Thursday, May 30 th at 6:30pm MDT or 5:30pm PDT. IJC Commissioners will provide opening remarks followed by a short presentation by staff and...