Ontario and British Columbia have both invested heavily in
infrastructure to generate inexpensive power. Each province
considers hydroelectric development a central component of its long
term energy policy. Both provinces have longstanding legacy issues
arising from a failure to consult First Nations about large
provincial hydroelectric developments in the 1960s.
The proposed Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C) in British
Columbia offers an opportunity to consider how the two provinces
differ in their modern approach to hydroelectric development. The
environmental approvals of Site C have generated applications for
judicial review filed at the provincial and federal courts. Among
the parties challenging the hydro development are several First
Nations communities, including Treaty 8 Tribal Association, the
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Mikisew Cree First Nation.
The Peace Valley Landowners Association is also challenging Site
C.
