Statement by Global Affairs Canada on Columbia River Treaty Negotiations

May 19, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:

“On May 16 and 17, 2023, Canada and the United States met in Kelowna, British Columbia, for the 17th round of negotiations to renew the Columbia River Treaty. Ratified by both countries in 1964, the Treaty provides for flood control measures and hydropower production. Negotiations to modernize the Treaty began in May 2018.

“The negotiations continue to focus on flood risk management, power coordination and ecosystem priorities. Along with modernizing flood risk management and power coordination, Canada continues to prioritize domestic ecosystems, the introduction of Indigenous cultural values and salmon re-introduction measures, all issues of critical importance to Indigenous nations and other communities in the Columbia River Basin.

“The parties will continue to hold discussions over the coming months, with the next negotiation round taking place on August 10 and 11, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.”