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EPA's Role in the International Joint Commission
The International Joint Commission (IJC) serves as one of the principle mechanisms to facilitate cooperation on transboundary water issues between the United States and CanadaCanada. The six person Commission and its staff have responsibility for:
- the prevention of disputes regarding the use of boundary waters;
- settlement of questions between the two countries involving the rights, obligations and interests of either along the common frontier; and
- establishment of provisions for the adjustment and settlement of future questions.
How the Commission Works
The Commission is assisted by technical boards drawn from the relevant federal, provincial and state governments and other interests giving the Commission the flexibility to respond to evolving technical and political needs.
In April, 1997, the US and Canada asked the IJC to reexamine its mission and to provide recommendations to the two governments as to how the Commission might best assist the parties to meet the environmental challenges of the next century.
The IJC is continuing to assist the two countries with many efforts and goals along the extensive binational inland borders. It is helping fulfill the Boundary Waters Treaty, Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and assisting with public review and comment about binational progress reports on the US- Canada Air Quality Agreement.
For additional information about EPA's programs with Canada, contact:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of International and Tribal Affairs (2650R)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460