St Croix International Waterway Commission

The SCIWC was established in 1987 through a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Province of New Brunswick and the State of Maine. In New Brunswick Commissioners are appointed by the Premier's office and is considered one of the Provincial agencies boards and commissions in which the provincial government does have exclusive authority over appointments. Included in these entities are include self-regulating professions trusts and federal and municipal boards each with a corresponding Provincial Legislative Act which in the case of the SCIWC the act defines the structure purpose and authority of the commission. The St. Croix International Waterway Commission is unique in geography partnerships and processes as they relate to the joint management of a transboundary river system. The 1987 Memorandum of Understanding (Brennan and Hatfield 1986 p. 3) was a collaboration between two governments to formally commit to working together on a shared interest. Although worded slightly different the subsequent legislation enacted by the Premier of New Brunswick (Province of New Brunswick 2014 p. 5) and Governor of Maine (State of Maine 1987 p. 7) demonstrate the shared interest. For the past 35 years this commitment has remained intact and continues to be the basis of operation of the SCIWC and staff.