3. A Canadian Perspective

Policies affecting major civil engineering works are often slow to evolve unless prompted by catastrophic events. Civil engineering projects in the water sector are often triggered by debris torrent flows, tsunamis, floods, droughts, and industrial demands. The public consultative process and paying intervenors are current policies which have held up worthwhile projects beyond reasonable time limits such that the health and safety of the public may be put at risk. Long-term programs have to be flexible to accommodate all eventualities. Civil engineers have an important role to play in promoting new projects at home and abroad. Initiatives are required both in the private and public domains. Project concepts are traditionally developed by civil engineers.