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Columbia River Treaty update June 12 in Jaffray
The provincial government announced this afternoon that it will host a series of meetings this month to engage with and update communities about the recently launched negotiations on the future of the Columbia River Treaty (CRT).
One of the nine announced meetings will take place in the East Kootenay, at Jaffray on June 12. Meetings are also scheduled for Creston and Golden.
“As we begin negotiations around the future of the Columbia River Treaty, our government is committed to engaging in meaningful consultation,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty. “We will continue to work closely with First Nations affected by the treaty, to ensure Indigenous interests are reflected in the negotiations. We also want to ensure Columbia Basin communities are consulted, kept informed and have their voices heard.”
The upcoming meetings are a continuation of a process that began in 2011, to engage with B.C. Columbia Basin communities about the future of the treaty.
The meetings will provide an update on negotiations between Canada and the United States, and host discussions on community interests that should be considered during negotiations.
The meetings will take place in the following communities:
* Meadow Creek: June 11 at Lardeau Valley Community Club, 13429 Hwy 31
* Jaffray: June 12 at Jaffray Hall, 7369 Jaffray Village Loop Rd.
* Creston: June 13 at Creston and District Community Complex, 312 9th Ave. N
* Castlegar: June 14 at Castlegar and District Community Complex, 2101 6th Ave.
* Nelson: June 15 at Nelson Rod and Gun Club, 801 Railway St.
* Valemount: June 18 at Valemount Community Hall, 201 Gorse St.
* Revelstoke: June 19 at Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Ave.
* Golden: June 20 at Golden Civic Centre, 898 Hwy 95
* Nakusp: June 21 at Nakusp and District Sports Complex, 200 8th Ave. NW
Each community meeting runs from 6 to 9 p.m. A light meal will be available at 6 p.m.
The first round of negotiations between Canada and the United States regarding the future of the Columbia River Treaty took place in Washington, D.C., on May 29 and 30.
First Nations and Columbia Basin communities were not consulted with when the treaty was first ratified. It is a top priority for the province to ensure they are engaged throughout this negotiation process, a June 1 Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources stated.
Lead image: The Old Waldo Church, saved from the flooded Kootenay River Valley, is now located at Baynes Lake. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos
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