This week, the BC and Washington state governments penned an agreement to establish the British Columbia-Washington State Interparliamentary Group.
This group’s purpose will be to promote dialogue between the two governments and explore solutions to shared cross-border matters.
Both Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, and Denny Heck, Lieutenant Governor of Washington State have shared statements on the new inter-governmental agreement.
“The opportunities to learn from each other and work together to advance joint interests have grown exponentially today, and I look forward to assembling in Washington for the group’s first AGM later this year,” said Chouhan.
“Washingtonians share deep historical, economic, ecological and cultural connections with the people of British Columbia,” added Heck. “This interparliamentary group will serve to further those connections with one another”
These two legislators began the endeavour of creating this group back in May 2025 during the lieutenant governor’s most recent visit to Victoria.
Chouhan and Heck will be co-chairs of this bilateral group with other members comprised of legislators from all political parties represented in either institution.
“MLAs representing border ridings like mine are particularly pleased to see this group taking shape,” said Á’a:líya Warbus, MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake.
“We share social, commercial and environmental concerns with Washington State. It makes sense to facilitate conversations among legislators on both sides.”
The group’s annual meetings will alternate between British Columbia and Washington, and will be able to hold special meetings at the discretion of the co-chairs.
Next steps for Chouhan and Heck will be to appoint legislators from their respective institutions to the group and schedule the group’s first annual meeting for later in 2026.
