The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is a United States interstate agency established in 1955 through the Great Lakes Basin Compact, in order to "promote the orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the water resources of the Great Lakes Basin," which includes the Saint Lawrence River. The eight member states are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec are associate members. The Great Lakes Commission provides policy development, coordination, and advocacy on issues of regional concern, as well as communication and research services. One of the strengths of the Great Lakes Commission lies in its creation and facilitation of well-respected regional forums, including collaboratives, that build consensus around shared goals for the Great Lakes and associated solutions to achieve those goals.
