Canadian Co-Chair Brings Knowledge, Passion and Expertise to New Role

Water management has recently been on Dr. Pierre Baril's mind. That is, if you consider the last four decades to be “recent.”

As a newly-appointed Canadian Commissioner and co-chair of the International Joint Commission (IJC), Baril brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in water management and the environment. He has worked in the field since the late 1980s, since obtaining a doctorate in engineering from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.

Baril said his relationship with the IJC is a natural one. When an opportunity to become a Commissioner arose, he decided that “it was the right choice for me. It's a synthesis of my professional experience in environmental and water management.” 

What's more, he said this new role represents a logical extension of previous experience working for the Quebec government in water and environmental management as assistant deputy minister. This allows Baril to bring what he has learned over the years to the table, with a view to sharing knowledge and expertise.

After spending decades of his professional career in the shared fields of water and environmental management, Baril maintains that synthesis is important: “How do you write solid, science-based policies that also take into account Indigenous knowledge and local environmental history, while organizing public hearings that provide essential information at the local level?” 

This is where integration is key. Baril said he aims to harmonize the various factors influencing water policies in order to make informed decisions, analyzing the most accurate and up-to-date information and sharing it with colleagues and relevant stakeholders.

During his four-year term as Commissioner, Baril intends to focus on international relations, enabling him to leverage the network of contacts he has developed over his career. 

“What I do for a living has to be in line with my values, otherwise I simply can't commit to it,” he said. “Something has to make sense for me to pursue it, and the type of work done at IJC resonates with me on both a personal and professional level.”