Part of Our Heritage Canada is a nation with a rich river heritage. Rivers molded this country and its peoples. We use rivers as travel routes and as a source of livelihood. We swim and fish in their waters, are challenged by their rapids and wilderness, find peace of mind and solitude along their shores. Rivers are part of our lives and our dreams.
Rivers are the threads that weave together the natural and human elements of Canada.
But many of our rivers have been severely impacted by dams, diversions, pollution and development. As a result, much of our river heritage is threatened and may be lost forever. It is a cooperative program of the governments of Canada, all 10 provinces, and the three territories. A 15-member national board administers the program. This board is made up of private citizens and senior officials from government departments responsible for the protection of the Canadian environment.