Ottawa delays new fish-protection standards for hydro dams

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has postponed the technical standards for the hydroelectric sector after criticism from the industry. The wider fish-protection rules, which took effect Thursday, are not cancelled.

Hydro-Québec's estimated compliance cost

2 billion $

Hydro-Québec estimated that meeting the new requirements would cost it $2 billion.

Background

The standards aimed to limit changes in water flow and to prevent fish from dying in turbines. Operators of the country's 600 hydro stations had raised concerns.

The Bloc Québécois called the Liberal government inconsistent, since it aims to double Canada's electricity production by 2050. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson defended the reform, while Quebec lieutenant Joël Lightbound said the changes had grey areas to clarify.