International Joint Commission

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The International Joint Commission (IJC) is a bi-national body created by the United States and Canada in 1909 under the Boundary Waters Treaty. Its work focuses on waters that cross the border, helping both countries manage, protect, and improve these shared water resources.

What it does
- Approves projects that affect water levels and flows across the boundary, and can set conditions to protect interests on both sides.
- Investigates transboundary issues and recommends solutions. It may monitor projects to ensure compliance.
- Supports the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (1972; amended later) to improve water quality and protect the shared environment. It also addresses air and water quality issues through dedicated boards and programs.

How it’s organized
- Six commissioners in total: three from Canada and three from the United States. They are appointed by their governments and serve as independent experts, not as government representatives.
- The IJC runs through stand-alone boards, sub-commissions, and task forces that focus on specific border waters or topics. It has offices in Ottawa, Washington, D.C., and Windsor, Ontario (the Windsor office oversees the Great Lakes region).

Key areas of concern
- Water use and infrastructure: drinking water, shipping, hydroelectric power, agriculture, shoreline property, and recreation.
- Water quality and environmental protection: including the Great Lakes, St. Croix River, Rainy River, Red River, and other boundary waters.
- Emergency management: maintaining appropriate water levels in certain basins and allocating water for different uses.

Recent leadership (examples)
- In 2019, Canadian commissioners were Pierre Béland (Canadian Chair), Merrel-Ann Phare, and F. Henry Lickers; American commissioners were Jane Corwin (American Chair), Robert C. Sisson, and Lance V. Yohe. The commissioners are periodically updated by their governments.

Other notes
- The IJC engages in broader air quality work and public input mechanisms. In 2025, it called for monitoring microplastics in the lakes and for policies to reduce plastic waste.