Residents of the Columbia River Basin are encouraged to help shape the future of the long-term Columbia River Treaty through a series of eight workshops between Nov.14 and 29, 2012.
The upcoming workshops will provide the public with the opportunity for input into the future of the Columbia River Treaty, a trans-boundary,
water-management agreement between the United States and Canada. This is the second round of public workshops on the Columbia River Treaty - the first were held in spring 2012.
"Our government is committed to hearing from Columbia Basin residents on the future of the Columbia River Treaty," said Bill Bennett, Kootenay East MLA.
"During the spring sessions, you told us that environmental issues and more economic development opportunities are important to people living in the Basin. This November, we want to hear from you again. Your input will ensure that Basin perspectives, values and interests are considered."
Under the Canada-British Columbia Agreement (1963), Canada is required to obtain the B.C. government's consent before terminating or amending the Columbia River Treaty. Either Canada or the United States can unilaterally terminate the treaty on or after Sept. 16, 2024, with at least ten years' notice.
"Decisions about the Columbia River Treaty are important to the well-being of Basin residents," said Deb Kozak, chair, CRT Local Governments' Committee.
"The CRT Local Governments' Committee encourages residents to come out to these sessions to learn about the information the Province is collecting for the Review and express their views."
There are a number of ways for Basin residents to become involved in the Columbia River Treaty Review:
o Subscribe to the Columbia River Treaty Review e-newsletter at
www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/enews-subscribe.html
o Columbia River Treaty Review website: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty
o Evening consultation workshops are planned for the following locations
and dates:
* Jaffray, Nov.14
* Creston, Nov. 15
* Revelstoke, Nov.20
* Golden, Nov.21
* Valemount, Nov. 22
* Nelson, Nov.27
* Trail, Nov.28
* Nakusp, Nov.29