Canada and U.S. agree to update Columbia River Treaty [Video]

The Canadian and U.S. governments say they have reached an agreement-in-principle in the process to modernize the Columbia River Treaty, which regulates the waterway that flows from southeastern British Columbia into Washington state.

In a statement issued from Washington, D.C., Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the deal is a milestone that will enable officials to update the treaty to ensure continued flood-risk management and co-operation on hydropower on the river.

He says the updated treaty will also incorporate provisions not considered in the original agreement, including ecosystem health and Indigenous cultural values.

Trudeau says the agreement follows extensive negotiations between the two governments, with input from representatives of the province and First Nations.

U.S. President Joe Biden issued a separate statement saying he’s pleased they’ve agreed on “the key elements of a modernized treaty,” and in the coming weeks, negotiators will continue work on drafting an amendment for the treaty.

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