B.C. and Washington legislators have reached an agreement to establish an interparliamentary group between the two governments.
Signed in Vancouver Thursday (Jan. 8), the deal establishes a bilateral group meant to “promote dialogue between the two legislators, explore solutions to common challenges, address cross-border constituency matters, and engage in discussions about areas of mutual interest and accomplishment.”
The group will be co-chaired by B.C. Speaker Raj Chouhan and Washington State Lt.-Gov. Denny Heck. It will also include legislators from all political parties represented in either institution.
There will be annual meetings alternating between B.C. and Washington, as well as special meetings at the discretion if the co-chairs.
“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,” Chouhan said in a news release.
During that meeting, Chouhan and Heck will work to appoint legislators to the group.
Chouhan and Heck reached an agreement-in-principle in May 2025 when the lieutenant governor visited Victoria.
Rick Glumac, past president of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, said he and Heck first discussed the potential of a bilateral group years ago.
“We recognized that Washington State and British Columbia have always been and will always remain friends and neighbours — so let’s do more work together.”
While B.C. Conservative house leader Á’a:líya Warbus said MLAs representing border ridings, like hers in Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, are “particularly pleased to see this group taking shape.”
“We share social, commercial and environmental concerns with Washington State. It makes sense to facilitate conversations among legislators on both sides.”
The move comes as the provincial government and Premier David Eby have continuously called to diversify B.C.’s trading partners amid back-and-forth tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Eby is set to head to India on Friday for a trade mission, specifically pointing to trade tensions with the United States.