Manitoba PCs Urge Extended Consultations for Seal River Watershed
WINNIPEG — Despite promising extensive consultations, Justin Trudeau and Wab Kinew are ramming through major land use decisions that will impact Manitoba for generations, Riding Mountain MLA Greg Nesbitt, Critic for Environment and Climate Change, said today.
“The creation of new protected areas in Manitoba has been raising questions about the impacts on local economies and continued access to hunting and angling opportunities,” said Nesbitt. “The two governments need to bring together all stakeholders to address their concerns, but right now that’s not happening.”
Manitoba Progressive Conservatives are urging Parks Canada and Wab Kinew’s NDP government to extend consultations on the impacts of the proposed significant land use changes in the Seal River Watershed. A four-week online survey is set to close Aug. 23, which is not enough time to gather important data and input from stakeholders, Nesbitt said.
The watershed, about the size of Nova Scotia, is home to hunting, fishing, and eco-tourism lodges that support Manitoba’s $2-billion tourism economy and sustain rural and northern communities. The area is also rich in critical minerals like diamonds and other natural resources important to Manitoba industries, Nesbitt noted.
“We support protecting Manitoba’s natural beauty and our natural resources, but we are concerned that Manitobans lack details about the NDP-Liberal plan,” said Nesbitt. “The Kinew government is developing a reputation for ignoring Manitobans. This is their chance to listen.”
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