Manitoba is making significant progress in its commitments to environmental protection, according to a report by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).
The report, which rates different government bodies and provinces by grade level, gave Manitoba a B- and said, “Manitoba’s grade increased the most significantly of any jurisdiction.” Ron Thiessen, Executive Director of the Manitoba Chapter of CPAWS, says the province’s recent commitments are promising.
“We’re very pleased about that. And the two major pieces that led to that were, the one is their commitment to protect 30 per cent of Manitoba by 2030. That’s a foundational commitment and gives us a way to measure the government’s progress and make in achieving conservation success. Also, the commitment to indigenous leadership and conservation.”
This pledge, known as the “30×30” target, has been supported by concrete actions, including a signed Nature Agreement Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the federal government, launching $2 million in initial funding to engage Indigenous nations. Additionally, a Seal River Watershed feasibility study concluded that establishing an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in northern Manitoba is not only possible but a priority. This IPCA alone would get the province 18 per cent closer to the 30×30 goal.
Thiessen adds that if Manitoba wants to continue its momentum and compete with the A- of Quebec, more will need to be done.
“Certainly, a significant financial investment to match the scale of the ambition that’s required to achieve protecting 30 per cent of Manitoba is required. The Manitoba government needs to augment its internal capacities in order to help establish more parks and protected areas, as well as provide support for Indigenous nations to engage and lead in many respects in moving forward with conservation in the province.”
In Budget 2025, a $6.5 million increase was made in environmental stewardship and strategic investments, with $5.4 million toward the national 2 Billion Trees program, focused on wildfire recovery, urban forest expansion, and Indigenous forestry initiatives. A $414 million commitment has also been made for Phase 2 of Winnipeg’s North End Water Pollution Control Centre, along with $410,000 to target the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species.
However, of the recent announcements Thiessen says CPAWS is cautious of Manitoba’s Critical Mineral Strategy.
“I think, ultimately, the challenge is establishing what the balance looks like. The balance of conservation and sustainable development.”
The new Critical Mineral Strategy positions Manitoba as a global hub for minerals needed for green technologies. A recent example of this was the Lynn Lake Gold Project, which developed a gold mine near the town of Lynn Lake. In Manitoba’s budget announcement, the government said, “Manitoba is working to stand up critical minerals projects faster, while respecting the environment and forming strong Indigenous partnerships.”
Thieseen says the government must show how it will achieve this balance .
“Certainly, a lot of these minerals are required for future uses,” says Thiessen, “but for now, they need to be balanced with conservation. So we’re calling on the Manitoba government to live up to its commitment to produce an action plan or a strategy for achieving the protection of 30 per cent of Manitoba.”
With Manitoba investing in environmental protection and resource development, Thiessen says public engagement will remain crucial. He adds that CPAWS will be closely monitoring Manitoba’s progress to see if it can graduate with honours in their following report.
U Multicultural contacted the Office of Environment and Climate Change but could not coordinate a time with Hon. Mike Moyes.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
