Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 17, 2012

Premier Arrives in Brazil for Trade Mission, United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development



RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Premier Greg Selinger begins a trade mission here today where he will participate in the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

“Manitoba is recognized as a leader in sustainable development because we understand that what’s good for our environment is good for our economy,” said Selinger.  “I look forward to sharing best practices in sustainable development while continuing to grow Brazilian trade and investment in Manitoba.”

The premier, who will be joined by several Manitoba business people in Brazil, noted that trade between Brazil and Manitoba has grown substantially in the last decade, nearing the $100-million mark last year.  “Brazil has emerged as a world economic powerhouse.  Our government is committed to strengthening ties with this important trading partner to realize new opportunities that will benefit all Manitobans.”

The conference will also be an opportunity for the premier to share with other world leaders TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, launched last week in Winnipeg.  The strategy aims to make Manitoba one of the most sustainable places to live on earth through a broad range of initiatives including:

  • creating new green economy jobs through the development of over 2,300 megawatts of renewable hydroelectricity and the commercialization of a made-in-Manitoba electric bus;
  • working with partners in conservation to further protect Manitoba’s iconic threatened species such as polar bear, woodland caribou and lake sturgeon;
  • establishing up to 15 new provincial parks, ecological reserves and wildlife-management areas;
  • building on Manitoba’s reputation as a leader in energy efficiency and green-building practices through innovative measures such as on-meter financing of home energy-efficiency improvements, and;
  • developing a world-class ecotourism industry that will feature the world’s largest urban polar bear habitat in Winnipeg and, potentially, Canada’s first World Heritage Site recognized for both cultural and natural value on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, currently submitted for UNESCO approval in partnership with First Nations. 

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