By The Canadian Press
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson responds to a question from the media on the final day of the summer meeting of Canada’s premiers at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C., on July 12, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government has released a new water strategy for the first time in 19 years — one that focuses more on conservation and Indigenous involvement.
Premier Heather Stefanson says with a changing climate and a growing population, Manitoba has to take new steps to protect water resources and ecosystems.
The strategy is a general document that outlines guiding principles and details are expected in the new year with a followup report.
Unlike the old strategy, the new one places more emphasis on demand-side management.
It floats the idea of new water pricing structures to help control demand, but offers no specifics.
The document also offers rainwater capture as a way to help conservation, and says meaningful roles will be established for Indigenous people in water management.
