Statement by Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada
May 8, 2026, Ottawa, ON –We welcome the Government of Canada’s focus on improving the efficiency and predictability of regulatory and permitting processes for major infrastructure projects. As electricity demand grows rapidly, Canada will need to expand the clean electricity infrastructure that supports reliability, affordability, energy security, and electrification.
Hydropower already provides more than half of Canada’s electricity and plays a critical role in enabling a stable, low-carbon grid by providing firm, flexible power that enables the integration of other renewables into the system.
Making permitting more efficient, coordinated, and flexible is critical to advancing the clean energy infrastructure that Canada needs. This includes upgrades and expansions to existing hydropower facilities, and must be done while maintaining strong environmental oversight, meaningful Indigenous partnership, and long-term public trust.
About WaterPower Canada:
WaterPower Canada is the national voice of Canada’s waterpower industry. As a not-for-profit trade association, WPC represents producers, manufacturers and developers who collectively account for more than 95 per cent of Canada’s waterpower capacity. The association advocates for the responsible development and use of waterpower to meet Canada’s current and future energy needs.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Paula Gray, Director of Communications, WaterPower Canada, 613-608-8155, paula@waterpowercanada.ca