NationTalk: Manitobans Invited To Help Shape Water Strategy Action Plan: Wharton

The Manitoba government is announcing the launch of online public engagement to seek input for the first water strategy action plan under the new water management strategy, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.

“We’re inviting all Manitobans to provide feedback and help identify priorities for our province’s first water management strategy action plan,” said Wharton. “Your input is important and will help shape the direction of water management in Manitoba and help ensure we preserve this precious resource for future generations.”

Manitoba’s comprehensive water management strategy was released on Nov.8, along with a launch statement from Premier Heather Stefanson and the minister.

There are two components to Manitoba’s water management strategy. The first is the water management strategy framework, which provides high-level direction and guidance on water. The strategy framework includes a vision, mission, guiding principles, and key focus areas with strategic objectives. It sets the stage for work and decision-making on water management for the coming decade and beyond.

The second component of the strategy is a water action plan, intended to be a guide to specific and time-bound actions that the Manitoba government will take to implement the framework. The engagement announced today will help to inform specific projects, programs, and initiatives that the Manitoba government will invest in over the upcoming years to transform the strategy framework into concrete actions. The first water strategy action plan is expected for release in spring 2023, the minister noted.

The Manitoba government has also initiated outreach for dedicated engagement with Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples have a unique and immensely important relationship with water. Opportunities for Indigenous inclusion in water management are expanding and the Manitoba government is committed to collaborating on shared water priorities.

To take part in the survey, visit:https://engagemb.ca/water-strategy. The deadline for feedback is Feb. 15, 2023.

In addition to participating in the engagement through EngageMB, Manitobans can also submit written submissions to waterstrategy@gov.mb.ca.

For more information on the Manitoba government’s water management strategy visit https://manitoba.ca/sd/pubs/water/water_mgmt_strategy2022.pdf.

To read the Nov. 8 launch statement from the premier and the minister visit https://manitoba.ca/sd/pubs/water/waterstrategy_launchstatement.pdf.

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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 and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.