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Canada and the U.S. have reached an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) towards modernizing the Columbia River Treaty. Originally ratified in 1964, the countries have agreed to continue this transboundary water management agreement with renewed provisions that protect and support communities and ecosystems in both countries.

The Agreement-in-Principle represents over a decade of engagement with Canadian Columbia Basin Indigenous Nations, local governments and residents. It provides a clear roadmap for the negotiation teams to move forward on drafting the modernized Treaty and for B.C. to begin engaging with the Columbia River Basin residents to seek feedback on the AIP and on next steps. Read the Province of B.C.’s news release ⇒

 

Learn more

Overview Video: Watch this 30 minute video explaining how the Agreement-in-Principle sets the stage for a modernized Columbia River Treaty that better serves the Columbia Basin. The elements in the AIP are described under the themes of flood-risk management, Canadian flexibility, hydropower and transmission, compensation, and ecosystem health and Indigenous values.

Virtual Information Session: The Province of B.C. hosted a public virtual information session about the Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) on September 17, 2024. Members of the Canadian negotiation delegation presented information about the elements of the AIP and the potential changes they represent in the Columbia Basin. Questions related to each element of the AIP were answered at the end of the corresponding segment and a general question period was held following the formal presentations. Watch the recording below.

Download the presenter slides (PDF).

 

We want to hear from you

We are seeking feedback from Indigenous Nations, local governments and residents in the Canadian Columbia Basin about the AIP. Your feedback will inform the next steps in the process to modernize the Treaty.

You can also send us your feedback, comments and questions by emailing columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca.

 

Read media releases about the AIP

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau ⇒

Opinion-editorial from Minister Responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, Katrine Conroy ⇒

Ktunaxa Nation news release ⇒

Secwépemc Nation news release ⇒

 

Send questions to columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca