International Joint Commission AFN H OUSING AND I NFRASTRUCTURE F - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

AFN HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM 2020 National Forum

March 11, 2020 – Toronto, Ontario

Introducing the

International Joint Commission

International Joint Commission Origins

The IJC:

• Binational Canada-United States treaty
• rganization.
• Established in 1909 to administer the Boundary

Waters Treaty, which enables the cooperative management and protection of the freshwater lakes and rivers along the border.

• Takes direction from the governments of Canada

and the United States, but is not empowered to negotiate agreements or carry out the functions or

• bligations of federal governments.

International Joint Commission Major transboundary basins

Columbia River, Kootenay, Osoyoos

• St. Mary &

Milk Rivers Souris River Red River Lake of the Woods and Rainy River The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Saint Croix River Lake Champlain & Richelieu River Poplar River

• St. John River

Skagit River Lake Memphremagog Yukon River

International Joint Commission Primary responsibilities

The IJC has 2 main responsibilities related to:

• Water levels and flows (e.g. approving transboundary

diversion projects, and their operation); and

• Investigating transboundary water issues and

recommending solutions (e.g. water quality concerns).

Lake Erie, Aug 2011 - Tom Archer, Michigan Sea Grant St Mary’s River Control Structures – US Army Corps of Engineers

International Joint Commission Challenges for today and tomorrow

Key challenges for today and tomorrow:

Adapting to a changing climate

• Managing water levels and flows
• Maintaining ecosystem health

Sea lamprey on L. Huron salmon (M. Gaden / GLFC) Lake Champlain flooding 2011 (IJC) Field sampling L. Ontario (CWF/GLAM) Wild rice, Kathio State Park, MN (Brett Whaley)

> 200 people working on IJC boards, committees, and advisory groups International Joint Commission Who we are, and how we work 6 Commissioners

Rob Sissons

US

Lance Yohe

US

Jane Corwin

US Co-Chair

Pierre Béland

CAN Co-Chair

Henry Lickers

CAN

Merrell-Ann Phare

CAN

3 offices with IJC staff

Washington, DC

US Section

Ottawa, ON

Canadian Section

Windsor, ON

Great Lakes Region

International Joint Commission Indigenous Peoples Engagement

Indigenous Peoples Engagement

• The Boundary Waters Treaty requires the IJC to give all

interested parties the opportunity to be heard in matters before the Commission.

• Indigenous Peoples’ interests are important to understand

and consider when studying watersheds and making recommendations about their future management.

• Indigenous knowledge brings important insights to the

current understanding of the environment, and guides the creation of new knowledge.

International Joint Commission Indigenous Peoples Engagement

Indigenous Peoples Engagement (continued)

• The IJC has made greater engagement with Indigenous

Peoples a priority in its work going forward.

• While participation in the IJC’s work is voluntary, the IJC

wants to be more proactive in making First Nations, US Tribes, and Métis Nations aware of its work, and creating

• pportunities for involvement.

Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty 3 Leadership meet with IJC Commissioners (August 2019)

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International Joint Commission Indigenous Peoples Engagement

Climate change and Infrastructure

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