Overview
Founded in 1998, WaterPower Canada (WPC) is the national, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to representing the waterpower industry. Its many members span the breadth of the sector and include hydropower producers, manufacturers, developers, engineering firms and other organizations. WaterPower Canada members represent more than 95% of the waterpower installed capacity in Canada, advocating for the responsible development and use of waterpower to meet our present and future electricity needs in a sustainable manner.
Waterpower provides more than 60% of Canada’s electricity and is the fourth largest generator in the world, ensuring our electricity grid is one of the cleanest globally.
Waterpower provides more than 60% of Canada’s electricity making us the fourth largest waterpower generator in the world, ensuring our electricity grid is one of the cleanest globally.
What We Do
Advocate
- Our role is to represent the industry nationally in front of elected officials, public servants, media and the general public. We gather industry data, develop statistics and lead research that highlight the role hydropower plays in Canada, promotes continuous improvement and engagement with our partners.
- Acting as a unified voice monitoring the pulse of federal policy evolution and advocating on behalf of the industry, ensuring a better future for not only its members, but all Canadians.
Network
- Unmatched opportunities to network with all the largest hydropower producers in the country, independent power producers and private sector companies providing goods and services to the industry.
- The WPC annual conference and trade show also provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the state of hydropower development across Canada and to network with waterpower stakeholders and influencers.
Research
- Providing access to exclusive industry knowledge and sharing of information through activities carried out by our various committees.
- Unlimited access to these committees, publications and network opportunities!
- Since its inception in 1998, the Association has authored and lead the development of many reports and studies.
Areas of Focus
Reconciliation
WaterPower Canada has developed our Statement of Reconciliation and Commitment to Indigenous Communities and Peoples in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action 92. The Statement affirms WaterPower Canada’s commitment to building new paths forward to achieve sustainable long-term relationships founded upon the shared values of recognition, respect, inclusion, and openness. The Statement, and the Action Plan to implement it, will evolve as we initiate new dialogues and journey along these paths forward.
Environment
Canadian hydropower not only ensures renewable and reliable electricity for Canadians, it can also provide environmental benefits. Hydropower produces no air pollutants and has ultra-low greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, hydropower’s full life cycle greenhouse gas emissions are as low as wind power and in many cases can be even lower. Hydropower can fight climate change while helping Canadians adapt to its effects.
Economy
6 out of 10 Canadian homes and businesses are powered by clean and renewable waterpower. In addition to the significant environmental benefits associated with hydroelectric power, the industry also generates substantial ongoing contributions to economic activity in the form of Gross Domestic Product and employment. Throughout its 130 year history in Canada, waterpower has helped develop remote regions, attracted industries, stimulated economic growth, nurtured innovation, and created world-class expertise. Hydropower has been and continues to be a driving force for Canada’s economy.
Regulatory
WaterPower Canada is very active at the national level, collaborating with other organizations, government agencies and policy makers to stay abreast of legislative changes affecting the industry and to ensure our sector can continue to operate its hydropower fleet and develop new sites.
Meet the Team
WaterPower Canada is a dynamic, national organization promoting waterpower as a clean and renewable electricity source. Learn more about the people behind WPC.
Gilbert Bennett
President
Gilbert Bennett
President
Gilbert Bennett is a recognized leader and expert in renewable electricity, energy transition and the broader energy sector, with two decades of experience in the sector. As the President at WaterPower Canada, Gilbert serves as the spokesperson for the hydropower sector at the national level, and advances the contribution that hydroelectricity makes to our economy and energy security.
Gilbert worked with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro from 2005 to 2022, and as Vice President of Power Development, was responsible for the development of the Muskrat Falls project. Previously, he served in senior engineering and operations roles in the telecommunications sector.
Gilbert served on the Board of Directors of WaterPower Canada from 2010 through 2022. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Memorial University and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
Yvonne Jack
Operations Director
Yvonne Jack
Operations Director
Yvonne joined WaterPower Canada in 2009 and is responsible for the association’s finances and administration. Yvonne has a diploma in Secretarial and Economics and Law from Stamford Collegiate Vocational Institute. She speaks English and Italian. Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Yvonne spent her entire career in the hydropower sector while working for a major international consulting engineering firm that specializes in the development, design and construction of hydro projects. From this experience, Yvonne is a strong advocate and promoter of the waterpower industry.
Rebecca Leikin
Director of Events
Rebecca Leikin
Director of Events
Rebecca Leikin is a highly skilled event professional with over 15 years of experience in the event planning sector.
In her role as Director of Events, Rebecca plans and executes all in-person, virtual and hybrid events for WaterPower Canada, including our annual conference, webinars, networking events, member-only events, and more.
Prior to joining WaterPower Canada, Rebecca led the event management, philanthropic and corporate partnerships work for Experiences Canada, SOS Children’s Villages Canada and Easter Seals Ontario.
Rebecca is passionate about family, outdoors, mental health and supporting Canadian businesses. When she is not working, Rebecca can be found chasing after her two busy sons (& husband) and spending time with her family outside.
Board of Directors
Founded in 1998, WaterPower Canada is membership-driven and operates under an elected representative Board of Directors. Meet the WaterPower senior experts who help guide WaterPower Canada:
Serge Abergel
Hydro-Québec
Josée Guibord
Evolugen
Paul Séguin
Ontario Power Generation
Daniel Carrier
Andritz Hydro Canada Inc
Simon Gagne
Kiewit
Dave Bowen
Manitoba Hydro
Gerard Dunphy
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
Ian Dyck
AECOM
Sylvia Gaidauskas
Voith Hydro Inc.
Daniel Granger
GE Renewable Energy Canada Inc
Franz Kropp
Portage Power
Stéphane Larouche
Rio Tinto
Karen Popoff
BC Hydro
Christophe Rigny
AtkinsRéalis