{"id":12882,"date":"2024-12-10T15:02:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T23:02:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/columbiarivertreaty\/?page_id=12882"},"modified":"2025-04-03T11:52:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T18:52:49","slug":"agreement-in-principle","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/columbiarivertreaty\/agreement-in-principle\/","title":{"rendered":"Agreement in Principle"},"content":{"rendered":"

Info sessions<\/a> | Learn more<\/a> | \u00a0Provide feedback<\/a> | News<\/a> | FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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 \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

Canadian and U.S. Entities Enter Interim Agreements:<\/strong> to allow continued operations under the Columbia River Treaty and implement some components of the Agreement-in-Principle. Read more and view the agreements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Learn more<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Overview Video:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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Virtual Information Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

March 25, 2025 Virtual Information Session: <\/strong>Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister Responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, hosted a virtual information session to provide an update on the status of the Columbia River Treaty modernization process and answer questions, in light of new developments from the United States<\/span>. Additional opening remarks were made by MLA Brittny Anderson, Kootenay Central, and MLA Steve Morissette, Kootenay-Monashee. Members of the Canadian Columbia River Treaty negotiation delegation were also on hand to answer questions. Watch the recording below.<\/p>\n

Agenda and full list of speakers<\/a><\/p>\n

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December 19, 2024 Virtual Information Session:<\/strong> The Province of B.C. hosted a public virtual information session where members of the Canadian Columbia River Treaty delegation provided updates on the Treaty modernization process, summarized key elements of the Agreement-in-Principle, and answered questions from participants. The session opened with remarks by B.C.\u2019s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister Responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, Adrian Dix, MLA Brittny Anderson, Kootenay Central, and MLA Steve Morissette, Kootenay-Monashee. Watch the recording below.<\/p>\n

Download the presenter slides (PDF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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September 17, 2024 Virtual Information Session:<\/strong> The Province of B.C. hosted a public virtual information session about the Agreement-in-Principle (AIP). 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.<\/p>\n

Download the presenter slides (PDF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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We want to hear from you<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We have been seeking feedback from First Nations, local governments and residents in the Canadian Columbia Basin about the AIP since September 2024. That feedback has been informing next steps in the process to modernize the Treaty. <\/span><\/p>\n

The period to submit feedback through the online feedback form and by formal written submissions is now closed.<\/p>\n

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The Province will schedule\u00a0in-person community meetings in the B.C. Columbia Basin to seek further feedback from residents. Those sessions, originally planned for early in 2025, will be confirmed once there is more clarity about next steps on the path to modernizing the Treaty. Negotiations between Canada and the U.S. to modernize the Treaty are currently paused, as the U.S. administration conducts a broad review of its international engagement.<\/p>\n

You are encouraged to continue sharing comments and questions about the Treaty and the AIP by emailing\u00a0columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Read media releases about the AIP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

Opinion-editorial from Minister Responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, Katrine Conroy \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

Ktunaxa Nation news release \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

Secw\u00e9pemc Nation news release \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

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Syilx Okanagan Nation news release \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

Columbia River Treaty Local Governments Committee news release \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

Upper Columbia Basin Environmental Collaborative news release \u21d2<\/a><\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n