MB Government: Expert Advisory Council Recommendations Submitted to Province

Press Release

March 22, 2021

Builds on Call to Protect Manitoba Water

The Manitoba government has received the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Council (EAC), which will contribute to the development of a new provincewide water management strategy, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard and Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.

“As part of the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, we welcome the advice of the EAC,” said Guillemard. “We are determined to become Canada’s cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province and these recommendations support the use of science and evidence, as well as respect, transparency and collaboration, to guide us.”

In 2020, the Manitoba government tasked the EAC to provide advice and recommendations on the scope and elements of a modernized, co-ordinated water management strategy for the province. The council looked at existing approaches, including recently amended legislation, watershed-based management, and investments such as the province’s Conservation Trust and GROW programs, as well as emerging water issues, challenges and opportunities.

The EAC’s report makes 16 recommendations covering a range of areas related to timelines, governance, co-ordination, modernization and indicators.

“We thank the EAC for its time and dedication, discussions with experts and stakeholders, and its carefully prepared submission that can help set the stage as we move forward with Manitoba’s water management strategy,” said Pedersen. “We hear its advice that our strategy should plan for the impacts of climate change and set a course toward resilience, be based on a clear vision, be supported by engagement with stakeholders and communities, and contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”

The province is now reviewing the recommendations as part of the development of a provincial water strategy.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications Services Manitoba: 204-945-3765.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-794-0732.

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