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The International Joint Commission

More than a century of cooperation protecting shared waters.

Lana Pollack United States Chair

The IJC, Boundary Waters Treaty and Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

Chicago, January 23, 2013

Manistique Harbor, (Brian Callahan, Luxgnos Photography)

International Joint Commission: 1912 vs. 2012

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IJC Responsibilities under GLWQA

Assessment of Progress Report

Informing and Engaging the Public

Coordinating with other binational institutions

Specific roles detailed in Annexes

Coordinate water quantity work with parties regarding climate change

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IJC Structures under GLWQA Great Lakes Water Quality Board Reviews and assess progress of the Parties

Identifies emerging issues and makes recommendations to prevent and resolve complex challenges

Provides advice on roles of relevant jurisdictions

Great Lakes Science Advisory Board Provides advice on research and science

Must include research managers

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“We look forward … to produce an agreement that reflects our best knowledge and our unshakable commitment to preserving this vital natural resource.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Great Lakes Regional Office Windsor Binational office

Provides support and technical assistance to advisory boards and the Commission

Engages and informs the public

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Water Quality Board Requirements

Balance between federal/state/provincial government and other members as described in Agreement Equal numbers from

Canada and U.S.

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IJC Water Quality Board Principles Inclusive, with substantive role for

the public

Effective delivery of assessment report, identification of emerging issues and recommendations regarding prevention from harm

High level government participation

Citizen leaders

Doesn’t duplicate GLEC

Engaged representatives of influence

Manageable size

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What’s Next

Membership structure for WQB and SAB

Plan of operations for boards

Opportunities for public input

IJC will seek nominations for board members.

Work on indicators for assessment of progress.

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1st Triennial Meeting in Milwaukee

Report on GLWQA implementation in Milwaukee at the first Triennial Meeting, to be held in conjunction with Great Lakes Week, September 9-12, 2013

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For more information, visit:

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www.ijc.org

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin

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