USA Pauses Columbia River Treaty Negotiations with Canada

In the midst of Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats of annexation against Canada, the USA suspended negotiations with Canada over updating the Columbia River Treaty.

The treaty began in 1964 after devastating floods in both Oregon and British Columbia, and is being reconsidered by the USA. Under current treaty terms, Canada manages the Columbia River’s flow through dams, sending enough water through for USA hydropower generators while preventing or mitigating flooding. In return, the USA provides at market rates to Canada half the additional hydroelectric power produced. Each country has to give ten years of advance notice to leave the agreement entirely.

In July 2024, the two countries reached agreement in principle on an updated version of the treaty before its September 2024 expiration. However, it was not finalized before President Biden’s term ended. Only a three year interim agreement was put in place.

Click here for more details.