In Our View: Make Most of Trudeau Time

Setting aside the frivolity — and the fact that it is taking place on the other side of the country — this week’s meeting between President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could be important to this corner of the United States.

Canada, after all, is our neighbor, and Vancouver USA is closer geographically to Canada than it is to California. Because of that, the economic and cultural ties between Washington and its ally to the north are strong and essential, and two particular topics of conversation between the world leaders could have a lasting impact for this state.

One of them is the need for progress on revamping and renewing the Columbia River Treaty, an agreement enacted in 1964 to help govern the river that begins in Canada and winds its way past Vancouver’s doorstep. The treaty dictates how the United States and Canada divvy up water along the 1,243-mile-long river, providing for flood control and a system of dams that generate hydroelectricity. As U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, has noted: “The Columbia River is central to our way of life in Southwest Washington. Pursuing a new Columbia River Treaty with fair and equitable benefits between the United States and Canada is imperative to securing the future benefits the river brings to our communities — affordable, clean hydro energy; flood management; navigation; irrigation; and ecosystem-based management.”

Either nation may withdraw from the pact by giving 10 years’ notice, which points out the urgency of discussions on the matter. The Obama administration has been slow to undertake negotiations, despite frequent urging from members of the Northwest congressional delegation, but preliminary talks are now underway. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, told McClatchy DC, “It was very frustrating that the administration had not seen fit to engage in the process, but at least now we can say things have started.”

Of course, the world has changed in the 50 years since the pact was enacted, and any revised agreement must include provisions related to a changing climate. Reduced snowpack in the region’s mountains and melting glaciers are harbingers of that change and will play a role in how the treaty impacts Washington. As Rob Hotakainen wrote for McClatchy: “State officials fear the changes will mean fewer fish and damage the river’s ability to feed the turbines that have produced billions of dollars’ worth of hydropower for both Canada and the United States.”

Meanwhile, Washington Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray also hope that the Obama-Trudeau meeting can lead to progress on simplifying the border crossing between the nations. They introduced legislation last week (Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives) to pave the way for pre-clearance operations at border stops. Emphasizing the point, Cantwell noted that trade between Washington and Canada amounts to $25 billion a year and supports 223,000 jobs in the state. Of course, any border crossings must be handled with national security at the forefront, but the transport of goods between the nations should be made as easy as possible.

Trudeau took office in November after his Liberal Party was triumphant in national elections, ending the decade-long reign of Stephen Harper’s Conservative Party. And while Canada is far from the thoughts of many Americans, Trudeau’s time in office could have a large impact on Washington.