The future of Canada-US water relations: the need for modernization
It is well known that Canada and the United States share the longest unguarded border in the world. What is less well known is that much of that border is actually water. Ralph Pentland examines Canada-USA transboundary water relations and observes that they are relatively healthy, compared with those in most other parts of the world. But in recent years that relationship has become more fragile and less predictable, he says, and we need to reexamine what conditions need to be met to optimize it. As a contribution to that dialogue, he offers three suggestions: eliminate the distraction of the bulk water export issue; enhance the effectiveness of the International Joint Commission; and base water policy in the two countries on the highest common denominator.
