Statement by Lorena Patterson, CEO and President of WaterPower Canada on the Results of the 2025 Federal Election
Ottawa, Ontario, April 29, 2025 – WaterPower Canada congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on their electoral success. We look forward to collaborating with the new federal government to advance Canada’s clean energy future, bolster economic resilience, and ensure a secure, sustainable electricity grid for all Canadians.
Canada’s hydropower industry is primed to meet the growing demand for reliable, affordable, and emissions-free electricity. With over 60 per cent of Canada’s electricity already sourced from hydroelectricity and more than 90 per cent of Canadians supporting the development of new and existing hydropower facilities, the public is sending a clear message: Canadians support increased investment in hydropower.
We urge the new government to prioritize policies that accelerate clean electricity deployment, expand interprovincial grid connectivity, and expedite the development of hydropower projects. Multiple facilities are awaiting federal permits in order to conduct regular maintenance to ensure optimum operations. These important objectives can only be achieved through an efficient regulatory process. To move forward, we recommend two key steps:
- Avoid duplicative assessments and defer to provincial environmental review processes where possible.
- Complete the review of the Fisheries Act, to ensure its application is reasonable and allows for maintenance and expansion of existing facilities, as well as new development.
With the right policy support, waterpower can help Canada achieve energy affordability while strengthening reliability, economic resilience, and energy sovereignty.
About WaterPower Canada (WPC):
WaterPower Canada (WPC) is the national voice of Canada’s waterpower industry. As a not-for-profit trade association, WPC represents members across the sector, including hydropower producers, manufacturers, and developers, who collectively account for over 95% of Canada’s waterpower capacity, advocating for the sustainable development and use of waterpower to meet Canada’s current and future energy needs.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Paula Gray, Director of Communications
WaterPower Canada
613-608-8155
paula@waterpowercanada.ca