The 10th round of Columbia River Treaty negotiations between Canada and the United States was conducted by web conference on June 29 and 30.

During the most recent round of discussions, Canada responded to a framework proposed by the United States during the previous round of negotiations in Washington, D.C., and tabled a Canadian proposal outlining a framework for a modernized Columbia River Treaty, developed collaboratively by Canada, B.C. and Columbia Basin Indigenous Nations.

Due to the confidential nature of the cross-border negotiations, details of Canada’s initial proposal and of the U.S. framework cannot be made public, reported a B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources media release.

“The tabling of proposals is one part of a complex negotiation process. The exchange of options between countries will take time. Once the process is sufficiently advanced and options become clear, the Province of B.C. will engage Canadian Columbia Basin Indigenous Nations, local governments, citizens and stakeholders on decisions regarding a modernized treaty,” the release said.

The next round of negotiation meetings has not been scheduled.

Learn more about the treaty.

Lead image: Lake Koocanusa at Wardner, a site of a former Kootenay River crossing before the Libby Dam came into being in Montana. e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

Article Share