In March 2013, the Columbia River Treaty Review team plans to host technical conferences that will include more in-depth information and a further opportunity for dialogue and consultation on the future of the Columbia River Treaty.

To reach more Basin residents, and still provide the opportunity for face-to-face cross-Basin exchange, the Review team plan to hold two one-day conferences: in Golden and in Castlegar. The content of the two conferences will be very similar, with differences mainly in some portions of the content and number of breakout sessions.

The conferences are expected to include breakout sessions examining details of the analysis of operating alternatives relating to Treaty decision scenarios. A technical paper to prepare attendees will be posted on our website prior to the conferences.

Further breakout sessions will provide an opportunity for deeper discussions on Treaty related issues of importance to Basin residents. The key note speaker during lunch is expected to provide the United States’ perspective of the Treaty.

The conferences are expected to run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with a pre-conference session on Columbia River Treaty basics from 9:00 am to 10: 00 am. Major portions of the conferences will be streamed live. The conferences will be free although pre-registration and selection of breakout sessions will be required. Lunch will be provided.

Please email Ingrid Strauss at Ingrid.Strauss@gov.bc.ca if you would like to suggest a breakout session topic or speaker, or if you wish to receive more information on the technical conference. More information on the technical conference will also be in the next newsletter.