October 24, 2024
Statement from Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt on International Day of Climate Action
Today, as Manitoba marks International Day of Climate Action, our government is reaffirming our commitment to taking meaningful climate action to protect Manitoba’s lands and waters and work towards net zero targets.
Started by young people concerned about the impact of climate change, the International Day of Climate Action has grown into a worldwide movement that our government stands proudly behind. I would like to say thank you to all those who continue to raise awareness and push this important issue to the forefront around the world and right here in Manitoba.
In our first year in government, we’ve made protecting our beautiful province from climate change a priority and we have been working hard to make real change for Manitobans. Some of the notable steps we’ve taken include:
- Introduced the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, which provides rebates of $4,000 on the purchase of a new eligible electric vehicle, $1,000 to $4,000 on leasing an eligible electric vehicle, and $2,500 on the purchase of pre-owned eligible electric vehicles, ensuring more Manitobans can make the switch away from fossil fuels.
- Advanced, for the first time in Manitoba’s history, a plan to support Indigenous owned, utility-scale electricity resource supply through the creation of government-to-government partnerships in wind generation.
- Invested in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, in partnership with the federal government.
- Enacted the first-ever formal nutrient reduction target for Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries for improving water quality in Manitoba.
- Signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Indigenous nations and Government of Canada to formally work together on a feasibility assessment to establish a potential Indigenous protected and conserved area in the 50,000 square kilometre Seal River Watershed.
- Unveiled the Affordable Energy Plan, which charts the path towards Manitoba’s energy future through building out the grid to grow new clean energy, including wind generation to increase good green jobs, grid reliability, and keep energy rates low for years to come.
- Restored almost $400,000 in funding to Climate Change Connection, Green Action Centre, and Manitoba Eco-Network to help take tangible action on climate change.
- Appointed a new board of directors for Efficiency Manitoba and issued a new mandate letter to the Crown corporation, focusing on reducing our fossil fuel emissions.
- Supported the City of Winnipeg with $10 million for wastewater infrastructure.
There still remains a lot of work to do, and we are up for the challenge. As the minister of environment and climate change, I look forward to working closely with all Manitobans as we create a greener and cleaner Manitoba.
- 30 -