Canadian delegates say their team is standing by for the United States delegation to return to the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) negotiating table.
Treaty negotiations were paused in early March when the United States administration announced it was conducting a broad review of its international engagement.
“It’s a regular practice for a new administration to review processes. The Biden administration restarted negotiations in the fall of 2021 after taking office in January,” explained Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister responsible for the CRT.
“It’s important to be clear that President Trump and his administration have not formally suspended treaty negotiations, rather they have paused to review all of their international files.”
Dix says this standard operating procedure is overshadowed by the Trump administration’s treatment of America’s once-closest ally.
“The threats to Canadian sovereignty, attacks in terms of threatened and implemented tariffs against Canada, and the direct threats of the Presidents of the United States in respect to British Columbia, Canada and our water changes this,” said Dix.
“These vicious anti-Canadian attacks are causing concern for all of us and the Columbia River Treaty. We are preparing for any action the American government might take and we will continue to defend Canadian and British Columbian interests.”
In July 2024, the Canadian and U.S. governments reached an agreement in principle (AIP) that solidified the terms of the deal and provided a path forward.
Canadian and American Indigenous nations participating in negotiations have previously applauded progress in reaching the AIP.
Dix says the Canadian delegation does not plan to terminate negotiations, as this would keep the existing and outdated treaty active for another decade.
“If we were to take action to terminate the treaty now, that action would take effect after British Columbia elections in 2028 and 2032, American elections in 2028 and 2032, and the Canadian elections this year, in 2029 and 2033,” explained Dix.
“Canadian action to terminate the treaty would have little effect on the current dispute and it would involve losses on both sides.”
Dix says the new CRT is poised to bring more benefits on both sides of the border.
“British Columbia would gain significant flexibility to address our environmental, First Nations and socio-economic objectives without needing agreement from the United States. B.C. would also have certainty for 20 years for compensation for our share of the treaty benefits,” said Dix.
“Americans would see a reduction in Canadian entitlement of the sharing of downstream power benefits that the U.S. sends to B.C. in the form of electricity. They would also benefit from affordable, pre-planned flood risk management, in keeping with one of the Treaty’s most important functions, to reduce the risks of damaging floods in the United States.”
Dix says the universal benefit is why the CRT has support across the political spectrum in Canada and the U.S.
“Encouragement has been direct and it has been from Republican senators and Democrat senators, just as it has been from politicians from different partisan stripes on this side of the border,” said Dix.
Dix emphasizes that the CRT does not involve water supply agreements.
“I want to address some of the comments made by Mr. Trump about B.C. having a giant faucet or about the United States taking our water. I need to be clear that the water continues to flow through the Columbia River into the United States,” explained Dix.
“The river flows into the United States and at that point, it becomes their water to manage. The idea that Canada can supply water through the treaty for broad American needs is not accurate and is not a concern. Although it reflects, I think, the nature of the current debate and intentions expressed toward Canada by the American government.”
Formal negotiations on a renewed Columbia River Treaty began in 2018, during President Trump’s first term in office.
At this stage, the renewed treaty is not legally binding, so the existing CRT will remain in effect until the new agreement is signed.
The B.C. government has appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator in the ongoing labour dispute with the Kootenay Lake Ferry saga.
“Residents use the Kootenay Lake ferries to get to work, go to school, access services, and stay connected to their communities,” said Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside in a press release.
“The ongoing labour dispute has been disruptive to daily life and the local economy. To help resolve the dispute between Western Pacific Marine and BCGEU Local 2009, I have appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator.”
Ready has vast experience in labour relations and is renowned for his success in helping employers and unions reach agreements.
“This appointment provides a path for the parties to work through their differences, and I appreciate their willingness to engage in this process,” Whiteside added.
“I expect the two sides to bargain fairly throughout this process while ensuring reliable ferry service for residents in the Kootenays.”
Ready will begin work immediately to reach a settlement. If one is not reached within 14 days, he will issue recommendations to the minister and the parties.
“These recommendations will represent a fair and transparent path to resolving this dispute. It is in the best interests of both parties to carefully consider the special mediator’s recommendations.”
In a statement issued March 30, the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) said it is pleased with the ministry’s decision.
“Our union bargaining committee has been working hard to reach a new collective agreement that provides the pay and benefits needed to attract and retain staff for this vital public service. We’re pleased that the government has recognized the importance of resolving this situation quickly by agreeing to appoint a special mediator,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch.
“Workers have been engaging in job action since October and want to get back to work under a fair agreement. Our union will provide all of the information necessary for the mediator to perform their role, and we encourage Western Pacific Marine to do the same.”
Special mediators are appointed by the Ministry of Labour when requested by both parties in a labour dispute and report back directly to the ministry.
They have expertise and greater authority in addressing challenging labour disputes. The two parties had engaged a mediator through the B.C. Labour Relations Board earlier in negotiations.
The BCGEU requested a special mediator from the Ministry of Labour early last week after Western Pacific Marine (WPM) agreed with the union’s proposal to engage one.
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