The Honourable Bill Blaikie, Minister of Conservation, recently replied in relation to four 2010-11 Resolutions: “Rehabilitating The Image Of The Interlake, Southeastern Manitoba and the Red River Valley Management Zone”, “Nutrient Removal From Municipal Wastewater”, “A Proactive Approach To Fishing Licenses” and “Promoting The Boyne Valley Water Initiative”.

Rehabilitating the Image of the Interlake, Southeastern Manitoba and the Red River Valley Management Zone

Here is what the Resolution calls for:

That the Government of Manitoba rehabilitate the image of  southeastern Manitoba, the Red River Valley Management Zone and  the Interlake by publishing confirmation that these areas have a variety of environmental capacities, some which are well suited to a variety of farms and other businesses.

And here is the Minister’s response:

The Honourable Bill Blaikie

“The Environment Act amendment in 2008 introduced a permanent ban on the building or expansion of hog facilities in the Interlake, the Red River Valley Special Management Area, and areas of Southeastern Manitoba. This moratorium is exclusive to the construction, expansion, or modification of a confined livestock area for pigs or a pig manure storage facility. It does not apply to other livestock operations or other businesses. Your suggestions about making it more widely known that other activities continue to be possible and encouraged, is a good one.”

To find out more about the Manitoba Chambers’ Resolution on “Rehabilitating the Image of the Interlake, Southeastern Manitoba and the Red River Valley Management Zone” click here.

Nutrient Removal From Municipal Wastewater

Here is what the Resolution calls for:

That the Government of Manitoba; over the next 12 months and in consultation with the CEC, Manitoba Conservation, provincial park communities and Manitoba’s municipalities; determine the maximum levels of nitrogen and phosphorous that will be acceptable in wastewater effluent, work with the different levels of government to develop plans to reach these levels and, assist in the funding the construction of any facilities that are needed to help reach the identified levels.

And here is the Minister’s response:

“We agree that clarity and consistency is required regarding nutrient standards for municipal and industrial wastewater. Manitoba Water Stewardship has committed to developing a regulation under The Water Protection Act for Manitoba Water Quality Standards, Objectives, and Guidelines. The proposed regulation will include nutrient standards for municipal and industrial wastewater, and consultation will be required as per The Water Protection Act. The Province is also considering the costs associated with reducing nutrients and will be working with the Manitoba Water Services Board and all levels of government to assist in funding nutrient reduction measures.”

To find out more about the Manitoba Chambers’ Resolution on “Nutrient Removal From Municipal Wastewater” click here.

A Proactive Approach To Fishing Licenses

Here is what the Resolution calls for:

That the Government of Manitoba provide all non-residents with a Manitoba fishing license at the same cost as Manitoba residents.

And here is the Minister’s response:

“Manitoba’s recreational angling licensing policy is similar to most other jurisdictions in Canada. With the exception of Ontario and Alberta, all provinces require other Canadian residents and international visitors to purchase some type of non-resident licence. Quebec and the Maritime provinces treat all nonresidents similarly (Canadian or not) while British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have separate Canadian non-resident licenses with lower fees. In Manitoba, these fees support the various fisheries management programs and ensure that diverse and quality angling opportunities are offered to residents and visitors to our province.

Current angling licence fees in Manitoba are well within the range of those being charged to other Canadian residents by other provinces. Many jurisdictions have fees significantly higher than Manitoba. As such, our fees encourage participation in angling, while at the same time result in valued economic benefits to our Province.”

To find out more about the Manitoba Chambers’ Resolution on “A Proactive Approach To Fishing Licenses” click here.

Promoting The Boyne Valley Water Initiative

Here is what the Resolution calls for:

That the Government of Manitoba and the Federal Government

a) immediately review these pre-feasibility studies,

b) provide funding to complete the necessary feasibility studies, and

c) upon confirmation of the very positive benefit-cost ratio by these studies, move forward with construction of the dam and reservoir on the Boyne River north of Treherne.

And here is the Minister’s response:

“Several Manitoba Government departments have reviewed the pre-feasibility studies for the Boyne Valley Water Initiative. Senior staff from Manitoba Water Stewardship and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives are meeting with the South Norfolk-Treherne Community Development Corporation in early August 2010 to discuss the proposal.”

To find out more about the Manitoba Chambers’ Resolution on “Promoting The Boyne Valley Water Initiative” click here.