This treaty was negotiated by the United States and Great Britain to establish mechanisms for resolving issues over the use of water along the Canadian-American boundary. George Gibbons, a lawyer from London, Ontario, was a driving force throughout the negotiations. The treaty created the International Joint Commission, with equal Canadian and American representation, to prevent and settle disputes. At a time when the country had not yet achieved full national sovereignty, the treaty enhanced Canada's powers in its relations with both Great Britain and the United States.