Canadian Public Member Position Open on the International Kootenay Lake Board of Control

The International Kootenay Lake Board of Control (IKLBC) is expanding its membership to increase local expertise and include Indigenous knowledge. The board is requesting letters of interest to fill a Canadian Public Member position.

The board was established in 1938 by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to oversee Kootenay Lake levels and flows related to the 1938 Order of Approval for the operation of Corra Linn Dam (currently owned by FortisBC). The IJC is an independent adviser to the governments that aims to prevent and resolve disputes over shared waters. The IKLBC has equal membership from Canada and the United States, including four members from federal and provincial/state agencies. To better address basin issues and incorporate a wider range of viewpoints, the board is expanding to a total of eight members, four from each country, with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and local expertise.

A guiding principle of the IJC is to achieve consensus wherever possible. Participation in an IJC board carries with it the obligation to act in the best interests of all basin users, while providing insight, perspective or knowledge (whether technical, historical or other) from each member's background. Board members are expected to act in their personal and professional capacity, and not as representatives of their country, Indigenous Nation, Tribe, employing organization or association.

Those interested in the open Canadian Public Member position should note key board member responsibilities which include:

• Keeping the IJC informed of all matters relating to the Order

• Attending one in-person board and public meetingper year, alternating in location between Nelson, British Columbia, and Bonners Ferry, Idaho

• Attending three virtual board meetings per year

• Corresponding on board activities throughout the year

• Reviewing board deliverables, such as the IKLBC Annual Reportand work plan

• Attending project meetings as needed and reviewing project deliverables.

Board positions are unpaid, though there is potential for IJC funding to cover travel costs. Appointments are typically three years long. More detailed information on Kootenay Lake board membership can be found in this document.

More information about the IJC is available here: https://ijc.org/en, and more about the IKLBC is here: https://ijc.org/en/klbc.

To express interest in this position, please submit a letter of interest and a CV to IKLBC Secretaries Sonja Michelsen ([email protected]) and Katie Slimmon ([email protected]). Board deliberations to fill this position are expected to begin in September and will continue until an individual is nominated.