#Canada #Windsor #Great Lakes #Water Quality #International Joint Commission

Engage in Great Lakes Water Quality Discussions

The International Joint Commission (IJC) has opened a public comment period from today until April 3, 2026, where individuals are encouraged to share their insights regarding the water quality of the Great Lakes. This initiative is part of the IJC's ongoing efforts to assess and enhance the health of these vital water bodies shared between Canada and the United States.

How to Participate

Participants can submit their comments through the online platform GLperspectives.ijc.org, which allows users to provide written, audio, or video feedback. To access the submission platform, registration is required, which is both free and open to all. The IJC will also host a listening session during the upcoming Great Lakes Public Forum and a series of virtual public meetings throughout 2026.

The role of the IJC as an independent advisor is critical in overseeing the adherence of both nations to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. This agreement aims to ensure that the lakes remain clean and accessible for drinking, recreational use, and supporting biodiversity. Every three years, the governments of Canada and the United States release self-assessment reports detailing their progress toward these objectives.

Upcoming Events

On February 4 and 5, 2026, the IJC and various agencies will unveil the latest State of the Great Lakes Report at the Great Lakes Public Forum, held online and at the USEPA Great Lakes National Program Office in Chicago, Illinois. This event not only highlights the shared progress made but also underscores the importance of public input from local and Indigenous communities.

In their outreach efforts, the IJC emphasizes the need for perspectives from a broad audience, including First Nations, Métis, and Tribal communities. They aim to synthesize public feedback into actionable recommendations for the governments, especially highlighted in their upcoming Fourth Triennial Assessment of Progress report.

The Importance of Public Insights

The assessment conducted by the IJC relies heavily on public participation. In addition to the comment submission platform, there will be special events designed to gather observations on government efforts, such as:

• - February 5: Listening session during the Great Lakes Public Forum (online and in Chicago)
• - February 19: A bilingual broadcast discussing the significance of sharing individual stories related to water quality.

Additionally, a Public Input Webinar Series will be hosted covering various topics on the management of Great Lakes resources, including:

• - February 24 - Engaging with Great Lakes Fish
• - February 25 - Addressing Algal Blooms
• - March 11 - Coastal Engagement
• - March 24 - Community Restoration Efforts
• - March 25 - Participatory Science Engagement

Conclusion

This initiative not only promotes transparency in governmental progress but also fosters a community spirit where individual voices can influence significant environmental policies. Participants can contribute their thoughts and experiences that will help shape the future of the Great Lakes. For further details on how to get involved and to register for events, visit GLperspectives.ijc.org. Together, we can work towards healthier lakes for future generations.

For those interested in tracking the ongoing progress established by both countries, stay engaged with the IJC’s feedback mechanisms and updates as they unfold over the coming months.