In 1973, Manitoba Hydro began construction on the LWCRDP for a series of dams to regulate water levels on Lake Winnipeg and divert the Churchill River under an interim licence granted through the Manitoba Water Power Act. Manitoba Hydro now seeks a 50-year final licence for the Churchill River Diversion Project and a separate licensing process for regulation of Lake Winnipeg.

Chief Balfour stated "In 1973 Manitoba and Canada said the flooding of our lands were justified to provide power needed of the Province. Today, Manitoba Hydro has a very different focus - maximizing export revenues. We will seek...a system-wide look at how Hydro manages and operates rivers and lakes that supply water to Hydro's dams, and the outstanding issues regarding implementation of the (Northern Flood Agreement) Treaty."