Teaching the Bakun Dam..
Thinking About the
Canadian Connection

 Materials: Primary literature about Canadian involvement in the Bakun project; primary and secondary literature about Canadian dams.
 Activity:

Prepare a debate, and/or position papers, on the question: Should Canada be involved in the Bakun project.

Yes (the project will happen anyway; Canadians may as well benefit through involvement in it, and through our expertise, may also assist in reducing its impacts on the environment and indigenous peoples); or

No (it is not appropriate for Canadians to be involved in such a questionable project [or, one that would not be approved in Canada]). Positions must be supported with data, and references to specific aspects of the Bakun Project.

 Activity: A related activity: Should multilateral agencies, e.g. the World Bank, be involved in such projects. For example, the World Bank has been a focus of criticism because of its involvement in the Sardar Sarovar project. The World Bank has argued in response that it should be involved because the project will go ahead regardless of its involvement, and by participating, it has the leverage with which to insist on stronger environmental and social impact standards.
 Activity: Research media coverage of controversies concerning Canadian dams, to identify major issues, activists, and determining factors in the eventual decisions concerning the projects.
 Activity: Compare media coverage of Canadian dam controversies, with Malaysian coverage of the Bakun Dam.


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