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A Defining Period for Canada-United States Relations
- Maintaining a peaceful boundary for more than a century!
1904 to 1911 was a watershed period for Canada - United States Relations. In 1903 the Roosevelt and Laurier administrations had just completed a tumultuous negotiation over the boundary on the Alaska Panhandle. Both countries recognized, however, that the 20th century was the time for a great North American economic and social partnership to emerge.Under the leadership of US Secretary of State Elihu Root, Canadian Governor General Earl Grey and James Bryce, British ambassador in Washington, eight treaties and agreements were negotiated to manage a wide variety of contentious issues from cross-border water management to maintaining the boundary.
The Treaties were mechanisms that enabled issues to be handled by direct Canadian-American negotiation without the necessity of continual British involvement. The institutions that were established from the treaties, such as the International Boundary Commission (1908) and the International Joint Commission (1909), helped to define a relationship of respect and friendly co-existence for the next century and beyond.
In commemorating a century of peaceful maintenance of the Canada - United States boundary, we are celebrating the partnership that has made significant contributions to the stability and economic prosperity of both countries. The peaceful nature of the boundary and the collaborative approach towards its maintenance is a testament to the strong bond that exists between two great nations.
The 100th anniversary of the International Boundary Commission is being celebrated in 2008 and 2009. A series of articles will be posted on this website and offered for publication in both countries. We will be exploring the history of the Commission, how the boundary is seen in popular culture, as well as the strong community relationships, that thrive, along the boundary line and beyond.
Visit the site often to learn about upcoming activities and articles.
© International Boundary Commission, 2008