Mission, BC – Mission–Matsqui–Abbotsford MP Brad Vis is continuing to press the federal government to ensure the commitments made under the Canada–British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement translate into timely action on the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan.

On July 2, 2026, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced the Canada–British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, committing up to $20 million in federal funding for cost shared planning and initial project management for flood mitigation in the Sumas Prairie. The agreement also establishes a framework for future investments in implementation-ready flood mitigation projects.

The announcement marks an important step toward advancing flood mitigation efforts in the Sumas River Watershed. The Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan is a collaborative initiative involving Canada, British Columbia, the cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and Semá:th and Leq’á:mel First Nations. The plan aims to reduce flood risk while protecting communities, critical infrastructure, agricultural land, and Canada’s food security.

Since the agreement was announced, Vis has engaged directly with Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada to seek greater certainty for local partners. He requested confirmation that British Columbia would match the federal commitment, clarification on the federal lead for preventive infrastructure, and guidance on the pathway to future federal funding for the actual infrastructure. Federal officials confirmed British Columbia is expected to match the planning contribution and that the department will serve as the federal lead.

“The Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan would protect nationally significant transportation corridors, critical infrastructure, Canada’s food security, and one of the country’s busiest international trade gateways from future natural disasters,” said Vis. “After years of planning since the 2021 and 2025 floods, local partners need certainty that a federal pathway to construction exists in the near term before they can reasonably be expected to continue investing resources in engineering and design.”

Vis said he will continue advocating for a clear funding pathway to move flood mitigation projects in the Fraser Valley.