People in the Columbia Basin can provide their thoughts on the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) through a renewed engagement process.
This comes after the governments of Canada and the United States reached an agreement in principle (AIP) on July 11.
B.C. officials said engagement will start with providing information about the AIP and answering questions throughout the summer to help people understand what the agreement means.
Katrine Conroy, B.C. Minister Responsible for the CRT said the AIP represents a big step forward in the negotiation process.
“When the treaty was first signed, their goal was just power generation and flood control. Now to actually modernize the treaty makes sure we have many more benefits in the Columbia Basin on the Canadian side,” said Conroy.
“It’s very exciting to reach this AIP, so now we can start to finalize the treaty.”
In September, the B.C. government will host a virtual information session with another chance for the public to learn and ask questions about the AIP.
After the info session, B.C. representatives will hold a series of community meetings throughout the basin over the following months.
Feedback will be collected to make sure public interests are taken into consideration in that AIP and reflected in the final treaty.
While the AIP represents a significant step forward, plenty of work is still needed before a finalized version of the CRT is signed.
“Once a modernized treaty has been drafted, it will need to be approved by the B.C. government and ratified by the Canadian and U.S. federal governments,” said B.C. officials.
“There is no set date for when a modernized treaty will come into effect. However, both countries have committed to getting it in place as soon as possible.”
More info on dates, times and locations will be posted here as they become available.
You can also share your feedback, comments and questions by emailing columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca or writing to:
Columbia River Treaty Team
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
PO Box 9314 Stn Prov Govt.
Victoria
B.C.
V8W 9N1
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