Resolution: Binational Data and Information Management Policy
Adopted on October 16, 2000

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission and its partners maintain and support the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN), which provides a gateway to Great Lakes-St. Lawrence data and information that now attracts more than 2 million visits each month; and

Whereas, GLIN is widely recognized as the primary source for Great Lakes-St. Lawrence information, with recent enhancements including geographic information systems data, monitoring data, and direct access to a metadata clearinghouse, among other data sets; and

Whereas, the binational GLIN Advisory Board, comprised of communications professionals within and outside government, is dedicated to promoting the expanded development and use of accessible and compatible data sets and information; and

Whereas, the International Joint Commission, in its Tenth Biennial Report on Water Quality, recommends the development of a binational data and information policy that includes enhanced monitoring and surveillance programs; data and information access; protocols for data collection, analysis and reporting; and support for indicator development, among others.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission endorses the International Joint Commission recommendation for a binational data and information policy and urges the two federal governments to address this unmet need, in cooperation with other relevant agencies and organizations within and outside government; and

Be It Further Resolved,that such a policy should address accessibility, management and integrity of data, and focus also on indicator development and how these data sets can contribute to a binational decision support system; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission offers to work with the International Joint Commission, the federal governments and all interested parties to develop and implement such a policy.

Adopted by the unanimous action of the eight member states of the Great Lakes Commission at the 2000 Annual Meeting, Hamilton, Ontario, October 16, 2000.