Remedial Action Plans for Great Lakes Regeneration

In 1909, there was an event that demonstrated respectful wisdom, that water does not abide by political boundaries. The signing of the Boundary Waters Treaty by Britain, on behalf of Canada, and United States was a landmark event to protect the shared waters of the two nations. It has provided the framework for cooperation on questions relating to air and water pollution and the regulation of water levels and fl ows. It created the International Joint Commission (IJC) that undertakes investigations of specifi c issues, or monitors situations, when requested to do so by Governments. IJC recommendations concerning pollution in the Great Lakes served as the basis for the Governments to create the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which was signed by the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States on April 15, 1972 (United States and Canada 1972).