The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada and the United States will launch negotiations on May 29, 2018, to renew the Columbia River Treaty.

“Our objective in these negotiations is to ensure that the Columbia River Treaty continues to be mutually beneficial for both countries. We will also address environmental considerations and the interests of First Nations. I am confident that we will be able to renew this agreement for the 21^st century.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

• In 1964, Canada and the United States implemented the Columbia River Treaty to develop the hydroelectric potential of the Columbia River Basin and to control against flooding. 

• While the original Columbia River Treaty provided increased power generation and reliable flood protection, there have been many other benefits, particularly in the United States, such as water flows for fisheries, as well as navigation, irrigation and recreation.

• All commitments and financial returns pertaining to the treaty were assigned by Canada to British Columbia through the 1963 British Columbia-Canada agreement (and 1964 supplementary agreement). British Columbia has designated BC Hydro as the “Canadian entity” to deliver on the treaty’s river management terms.

Associated links

• Canada and United States Relations
• Canada-U.S. Columbia River Treaty - Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada
• International Joint Commission - Columbia River
• Columbia River Treaty - Province of British Columbia

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada