Office of the Premier
Columbia River Treaty
Edition:
Columbia River Treaty Review
The Columbia River Treaty is a trans-boundary water management agreement between the United States and Canada.
The Columbia River Treaty has no specified end date. Either Canada or the United States can unilaterally terminate most of the agreement provisions as early as September 16, 2024, provided they give at least 10 years’ notice.
The Canada-British Columbia Agreement (1963) transferred most Columbia River Treaty benefits, rights and obligations to the Province.
Government agencies in both Canada and the United States are examining future Columbia River Treaty options.
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas’ Columbia River Treaty Review team leads the Province’s review.
It is conducting economic, environmental, social, legal and hydrological analyses of potential impacts of future Columbia River Treaty options.
Consultations with Columbia River Basin residents and First Nations are underway and the Province is also seeking to understand United States’ interests.