The Ministry of the…

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is the expert ministry when dealing with environmental issues associated with waterpower projects. It is not clear how environmental concerns will be assessed and mitigated under the proposed system as no role has been identified for MECP. It is troubling to think that with all the progress that has been made by MECP to attempt to reduce the environmental impact of these projects, that MECP would be cut out of the process at this stage.

While there are definitely environmental benefits to these projects, the adverse impacts must be acknowledged as well. Should the government be weighing the advantages and disadvantages and considering the net benefit, it should be stated as such. The environmental issues need to be stated outright, ideally with a plan to address these issues that includes MECP oversight.