Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), reviews of the Columbia River Treaty, CRT, have taken place on both sides of the border and, as yet, neither side has given notice of termination or asked for renegotiation. The Government of Canada continues to engage with British Columbia on this issue and maintains regular contact with the United States in preparation for eventual discussions on the future of the CRT.
With regard to (b) and (c), negotiators have not yet been named on behalf of Canada.
With regard to (d), the CRT is a flood control and hydropower generation agreement and the original objective was to provide benefits that are shared equitably between the two countries. The Government of Canada will be focused on ensuring that the benefits from the CRT continue to be shared equitably in any future agreement.
With regard to (e), no negotiations are taking place at this time.
With regard to (f), the Government of Canada will continue to work with the Province of British Columbia and first nations on developing the process for first nations’ involvement in CRT negotiations.
With regard to (g), the Government of Canada will work with the province in preparations and during any negotiations on the future of the CRT.
With regard to (h), Global Affairs Canada has had discussions with representatives of the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee about the CRT. The Government of Canada has a representative on the Columbia Basin Regional Advisory Committee, which was formed by the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and BC Hydro, which, among other purposes, was created to continue engagement with local communities during negotiations of a future CRT. This ongoing conversation and previous contributions from the Local Governments’ Committee will be considered by the Government of Canada as part of any negotiations.