Advocacy

WaterPower Canada passionately advocates for policies that promote sustainable hydropower operations and development, emphasizing its role in combating climate change and fostering economic growth. Through collaborative engagement with stakeholders, they strive to advance a clean energy future while ensuring environmental stewardship and community well-being.

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Member Committees

WPC’s Member Committees promote a forum for Members to exchange perspectives with their peers on their operational experience with existing legislation, regulations and programs, and how new measures can be best crafted. The work of our Member Committees forms the foundation of WPC’s advocacy work and directly drives our position on national issues on behalf of the waterpower industry. Member Committees are instrumental in formulating WPC’s input and feedback for federal legislation, regulation, and policy.

Member Committees are proposed based on an identified need from membership and they are established through a Board of Directors resolution.

WPC currently operates four member committees:

Communications & Advocacy Working Group (CAWG)

The Communications and Advocacy Working Group (CAWG) comprises dedicated members committed to amplifying the industry’s voice on crucial issues such as renewable energy policy, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

Through strategic communication initiatives and advocacy efforts, they aim to raise awareness, build partnerships, and drive positive change towards a more resilient and equitable energy landscape.

Electricity Policy Working Group (EPWG)

The Electricity Policy Working Group comprises subject matter experts relating to electricity policy. The working group monitors the development of federal legislation relating to carbon taxation, clean electricity regulation, and associated topics such as income tax and greenhouse gas emissions.

The working group has been instrumental in providing feedback relating to investment tax credits, Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions targets.

The Working Group is active on policies for GHG emissions reporting, with a particular focus on GHGs from hydroelectric reservoirs.

Fisheries and Regulatory Affairs Committee (FRAC)

The Fisheries and Regulatory Affairs Committee (FRAC) plays a crucial role in monitoring the development of federal environmental legislation, including the Fisheries Act, the Impact Assessment Act, the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and the Canadian Navigable Waters Act.

It serves as a vital platform for exchanging information and sharing experiences between WPC members on federal regulations and policies applicable to hydropower facilities. These submissions are instrumental in our efforts to make authorization mechanisms more timely and less burdensome.

Indigenous Relations Committee

The Indigenous Relations Committee for WaterPower Canada focuses on fostering respectful and mutually beneficial relationships between the Canadian hydropower industry and Indigenous communities and organizations. Comprised of WPC members, the committee works to promote collaboration on hydro projects, ensuring that Indigenous rights, values, and interests are integral to the planning, implementation, and operating processes.

It aims to create opportunities for economic development, training, and employment for Indigenous peoples within the industry. The committee also advocates for policies that support Indigenous participation and leadership in waterpower projects. Through these efforts, it seeks to advance sustainable development and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.