The renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty is proceeding, and the B.C. government wants to hear from you! On September 17th, the government is hosting an online public information session — meaning you have the chance to inform how this treaty moves forward.
Despite some steps in the right direction, there are important questions not addressed by the current Agreement-in-Principle.
Please sign up for the public information session at https://lnkd.in/g2cnNmdJ. Provincial, Indigenous, federal, and local governments are making major efforts to involve Columbia Basin residents in this process. It’s crucial that we seize these opportunities to make a difference. Some questions to consider are:
1. The AIP allows more flexibility for BC to control water levels in our reservoirs. How can we ensure that this flexibility will be used to benefit ecosystems, Indigenous peoples and local communities, rather than to simply generate maximum power for profit at the expense of these other needs?
2. Will any of the new money included in the AIP for BC be used to enhance ecosystems and address negative impacts from dam and reservoir operations?
3. The AIP notes that both countries are supporting Indigenous-led salmon reintroduction, yet core operating funding from BC and Canada for the Bringing the Salmon Home Initiative runs out on March 31st, 2025. When are BC and Canada planning to renew their support?
4. The AIP leaves uncertainty around how flood-risk management between Canada and the U.S. will work. The two countries have not yet agreed on key terms regarding Canadian assistance with US flood management. How might these unknowns disrupt Canadian planning for other goals?
5. The AIP calls for the creation of a transboundary Indigenous and Tribal-led advisory body that would recommend options for protecting and enhancing ecosystems— but, there is no obligation for those recommendations to be followed. Why not?
6. Will there be a way for local communities and experts throughout the entire watershed to provide ongoing input on dam and reservoir operations?
7. The Mica Dam was built larger than required by the Columbia River Treaty. To date, the extra water has not been part of the Columbia River Treaty, but a commercial deal between BC Hydro and U.S. power agencies. This deal just expired. What will BC Hydro do with this water next? Will there be an opportunity for other voices to help decide?
*Most Post are my personal opinions and are not my employers stance or opinions on matters.* •Heavy Equipment Mechanic
9moIs there a way to get in contact with the board or a representative?