The massive hydroelectric project recently started by the government is strongly opposed by First Nation. According to the federal-provincial panel, the project will benefit the growing demand for electricity and can also generate clean hydroelectric for oil, gas and mining industries. As the panel said “B.C. will need new energy and new capacity at some point”. This project is beneficial to everyone in Canada and it will also help Canadian economy.
However, the external costs caused by it should also be evaluated, especially when there’s already some conflicts between B.C government and First Nation. The dam will destroy the farmland, flood the valley and destroy their fishing industry. It would be bad for the government’s reputation and people’s opposition may cause the project to halt. At that time, it will cause even more problems and conflicts.
Therefore, it would be better if the government reevaluate the costs and benefits of the project and probably make some modification to the existing design, for example, decrease the farmland using. The chiefs of First Nation said they will support smaller projects which have less adverse effect to their normal life.