[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 2 (Monday, January 18, 1999)]
[Page 37]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the 90th Anniversary of the Canada-United States Boundary 
Waters Treaty

January 11, 1999

    Today the United States and Canada mark the 90th anniversary of our 
Boundary Waters Treaty, signed on January 11, 1909. I salute the U.S.-
Canada International Joint Commission (IJC) established to implement the 
treaty's terms, meeting today in Ottawa. For most of the 20th century, 
the IJC has served to prevent and resolve disputes over the use of 
shared waters and to provide independent advice on other transboundary 
environmental issues. The excellent relationships we have developed in 
dealing with the precious air and water resources we hold in trust 
together reflect the success of the Commission's efforts. From cleaning 
up the Great Lakes to managing water levels and flows in transboundary 
lakes and rivers, the Commission has come to serve as a global model for 
international cooperation in the realm of shared resources. More 
importantly, the IJC has improved the quality of life for Americans and 
Canadians while preserving for future generations the beauty and 
vitality of our lakes and rivers.
    Through its air quality monitoring and international watershed 
initiatives, the Commission is already confronting future environmental 
challenges along our border. I look forward to its continued success as 
the United States and Canada extend their partnership into the 21st 
century.