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The mandate and members of the new Manitoba Water Council – a senior advisory board that will co-ordinate and oversee the work of all provincial advisory bodies on water protection – were announced today by Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick.

 

“Our government is committed to working directly with Manitobans on how best to preserve the health of our waterways and this council will ensure we can continue to build on the swift action we’ve taken to protect our lakes and rivers,” said Melnick. “The Manitoba Water Council is an important consultative mechanism for government on provincewide water strategies.” 

 

The council will represent the regional diversity of Manitoba, and local government, agricultural and environmental perspectives.  Its mandate includes providing advice to government, stakeholders and the public on water-related issues including matters such as drainage, and flood and drought protection policies and standards. The council will also monitor watershed management plans in the province and review regulations related to water quality management zones.

 

The council will be a vital link between existing stewardship and advisory bodies such as the Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg stewardship boards, the minister said.

 

“The council will advise on policies, programs, plans and legislation to achieve the government’s goal of the best water for all forms of life and lasting prosperity,” said Melnick.  “The council will help build a broad-based consensus among Manitobans on sustainable solutions to the province’s challenges for protection and management of water quality and quantity.” 

 

The new water council is one of five key components established under the Water Protection Act. These include:

·         water protection measures to establish water quality standards, objectives and guidelines;

·         water quality management zones that will identify areas where water systems are most vulnerable to nutrients, toxins and other pollutants;

 ·         integrated watershed planning and designated watershed authorities that will allow for a comprehensive approach to all activities which have impact on water as a resource; and