Canada working with Biden team to finalize B.C. river treaty before Trump takes office

As top officials in both Canada and the United States work to finalize the Columbia River Treaty before the administration change in America, there is a sense of urgency to get the deal done. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the importance of passing the treaty through Congress before president-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. She recently met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the need for a clear agreement on water management on the West Coast.

Joly expressed optimism about the possibility of bipartisan support for the treaty, especially after an agreement in principle was signed with the Biden administration in June. She called it a “key objective” and highlighted the support from British Columbia, First Nations, and key senators on the American side.

Blinken’s office also reiterated the need to finalize a modernized Columbia River Treaty between the two countries. However, there are concerns that the incoming Trump administration may undo the progress made in negotiations so far. Trump’s previous comments about redirecting water flow from Canada to the U.S. for natural disasters have raised questions about his stance on the treaty.

The Columbia River Treaty, dating back to the 1960s, governs water flow and the sharing of hydroelectricity generated by dams on the river. The treaty, which came into effect in 1964, plays a crucial role in managing water resources and power generation on both sides of the border.

In 2022, British Columbia received approximately $420 million in Canadian entitlements from power generation at U.S. dams based on water flows from Canada. The modernization of the treaty aims to address the evolving needs of both countries and ensure continued cooperation in flood-risk management and hydro power on the river.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden announced an agreement in principle to update the treaty in June, signaling a commitment to enhancing collaboration on shared water resources. As negotiations continue, it is essential to navigate potential challenges and secure bipartisan support to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for both Canada and the United States.