Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

April 30, 2014

Province to Introduce First-of-its-kind in Canada Boreal Peatlands Stewardship Bill

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Public would have Input on Important Issues Facing Peatland Sustainability: Minister Mackintosh

Manitoba has released a new Peatlands Stewardship Strategy and will introduce the first stand-alone legislation in Canada that would ensure a balanced approach between the protection and wise use of peatlands and the establishment ‘no-go zones’ for commercial peat development in provincial parks, wildlife management areas and other sensitive, designated peatlands, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

“Through careful management of our precious natural areas and resources, we can protect the environment and encourage the kind of economic development that is critical to many rural communities,” said Minister Mackintosh.  “Working with Aboriginal communities, non-government organizations and industry, we can continue to increase our knowledge of peatlands, which will help us steward this important natural resource for future generations.”

The proposed legislation is a key part of a new Peatlands Stewardship Strategy, the minister said, adding the vision of the new strategy is for healthy, well-managed peatland ecosystems that provide valued conservation benefits including responsible economic development opportunities.  The strategy comprises 22 interconnected initiatives under the following five themes:

  • peatlands management,
  • integrated environmental protection,
  • responsible peatland harvesting and recovery,
  • scientific enhancement, and
  • public engagement.

“Peatlands are an important resource for managing the effects of climate change because they are the most efficient, natural place to store carbon while also helping with water resource management, water filtration and biodiversity conservation,” Minister Mackintosh said.  

He added the legislation would allow for the designation of provincially significant peatlands for the protection of water quality, biodiversity and carbon stores as well as for research purposes.  The legislation would also prohibit commercial peat harvesting in all provincial parks and in 82 wildlife management areas (WMA) with the exception of the Moose Creek WMA, where existing rights are in place.

The minister noted the province has already banned peat mining in provincial parks and in the nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.  

“We are very pleased to see the introduction of legislation that will balance the protection and wise management of peatlands in Manitoba,” said Chris Smith, head of forest industry and government relations, Ducks Unlimited Canada.  “Peatlands are important wetland ecosystems that provide habitat for a wide range of waterfowl and wildlife species as well as the protection of water quality in the Lake Winnipeg watershed.”

The new legislation would move the administration of the peat industry from the Department of Mineral Resources to the Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship.  The forestry and peatlands management branch would administer the act.  The legislation would also ensure Manitoba peat harvesters file recovery plans for harvested areas and provide security to ensure the plans are carried out.  The legislation and initiatives under the Peatlands Stewardship Strategy would bring a new licensing regime for peat exploration and harvesting that would emphasize conservation efforts, promoting zero tolerance for net impacts to Lake Winnipeg.

The industry is important to the economy of many rural communities and represents about 250 jobs across the province, the minister said, adding under this legislation, a new royalty and fee structure would be developed by regulation.

“The Manitoba peat industry appreciates the opportunity to have input into the development of this legislation,” said Paul Short, president, Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association.  “We feel the government did a good job at balancing the various interests and we are ready to move forward and assist in making Manitoba a leader in peatland management.”

The strategy incorporates input from academics, Aboriginal communities, environmental non-government organizations, industry and the public.  The public will have until Aug. 1 to comment on the strategy.

This strategy supports the implementation of TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, an eight-year plan that supports environmental protection while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy.

To comment on the strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation.

For more information on TomorrowNow, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/.

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