Since the early part of this century, and especially since the 1950s, hydroelectric dams have proliferated across the Canadian landscape. In a wave of development rolling towards the north, rivers have been pressed into generating electricity, to be sent along ever-lengthening transmission lines to urban centers in the south. In British Columbia, the Bennett Dam on the Peace River, and the multiple dams of the Columbia River project; in Manitoba, dams on the Churchill and Nelson Rivers; in Quebec, the Manicougan and James Bay projects, among others; in Labrador, the Churchill Falls project. These, and others, testify to the enormous investments made in generating northern power for southern markets. About 65 percent of all electric power consumed in Canada is produced by falling water.

Over the last forty years, attitudes towards dams in Canada have also evolved. In the 1950s, dams were widely seen as modern, efficient, clean, entirely beneficial sources of electricity. Such perceptions contrast sharply with the attitudes exhibited in the course of numerous recent controversies concerning dam construction, in British Columbia, Quebec, and elsewhere. By examining how these attitudes have changed, it can be seen how they reflect an integration of environmental, political and economic considerations.

The recent history of dams in Canada also provides opportunities to examine the role of environmental regulation, and environmental expertise, in decisions concerning dams.

There are numerous parallels between Canadian experiences with dams, and recent experience with the Bakun Dam in Malaysia.

Canadian companies, with government assistance, have also sought to participate in the Bakun Project, as they have in numerous other dam projects internationally.

Numerous books and articles are available, describing aspects of dams projects across Canada.