International Joint Commission settles questions about the use of boundary waters between Canada and the United States for water power, navigation, sanitation, irrigation, recreation, and scenic beauty. Since 1972, the commission has coordinated efforts to reduce pollution of the Great Lakes. It also investigates problems of air pollution in boundary regions.
The commission has three members appointed by the president of the United States and three appointed by the Canadian government. It was established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. The commission has a U.S. office in Washington, D.C.. Canadian offices are in Ottawa and Windsor, Ontario.
