Wetlands have long been a key issue in Manitoba, but it’s unclear if the new Progressive Conservative government will build upon proposed legislation or develop a different policy.
Last fall, Manitoba’s former NDP government introduced legislation for surface water management that would have had a lasting impact on rural landowners.
The NDP didn’t introduce the Bill for a vote in the legislature, so it never became law.
The Bill featured a no-net loss policy for wetlands. If a farmer wanted to drain a slough he would have to prove the action provided “broad social and economic benefits.”
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The proposed law also required landowners to mitigate the loss of the wetlands. They could pay for the construction of a similar wetland or restore a wetland on their own property.
In addition, the Bill would have simplified the regulations for small-scale drainage.
“There were a lot of good things in that (Bill),” said Dan Mazier, Keystone Agricultural Producers president, who farmers north of Brandon. “What it really did is streamline the process of maintaining our land and being able to maintain our drains.”
Ducks Unlimited Canada praised the legislation when it was introduced, describing it as a key step towards a healthier environment.
“Given the urgent need to improve water management decision-making… passage of this act should be a priority for our legislative assembly,” said Scott Stephens, DUC regional director for the Prairies.
The Progressive Conservatives may adopt a different approach for wetlands because party leaders said, frequently, that the former NDP government strangled the rural economy with excessive regulations.
During the election the Tories said they would implement an Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program across Manitoba. ALUS is an ecosystem services program where landowners are paid for actions that benefit the environment, such as restoring and maintaining wetlands.
Contact robert.arnason@producer.com
