Mr. Speaker, I would like to add a few more points as they relate to the Columbia River Treaty.
The governments of Canada and British Columbia worked very closely on the treaty. For Canada and British Columbia, the objective of renewing the Columbia River Treaty is to ensure that the benefits of the treaty are shared equally by Canadians and Americans.
Although British Columbia has derived some financial benefits from the treaty, it has also experienced significant negative impacts. Productive land was flooded, first nations sites of cultural significance were flooded and, every year, residents of the basin are affected by significant changes in water levels of the reservoir.
Our officials have met with representatives from basin first nations and have committed to work closely with them as we move toward negotiations with the United States.
Again, the objective of this treaty was the creation of benefits that are to be shared equitably between Canada and the United States and that remains the goal.