Critical Reforms: Mining in Manitoba

This project examines how Manitoba can modernize the provincial laws that govern mining and critical minerals, to support a more environmentally responsible and socially-just future for the province. We want to hear from communities across Manitoba about their experiences, their ideas for law and policy reform, and help communities participate meaningfully in the governance of the mining sector.

This project is a collaborative effort between the University of Winnipeg, Manitoba Eco-Network, Public Interest Law Centre, and the Alberta Environmental Law Centre.

MbEN and our project partners are looking for your feedback on mining in Manitoba through a public survey. This is another avenue to provide your feedback, and help us better understand Manitoban's views on mining governance (and to examine how provincial laws could be modernized).

SURVEY LINK - Visit the survey page here.

If you choose to take part in the survey, you will have the option to enter a draw for a $250 Amazon gift card. This survey is open until December 1st, 2026.

We want to hear your opinions on the law, critical minerals, environmental protection, and public health - as related to the mining industry!

WHAT WE’LL TALK ABOUT:

• How is the mining industry in Manitoba regulated?
• How is the public currently involved in mining decisions?
• How should communities be involved in the future?
• What mining innovations or legal reforms from other places could be adopted here?

This workshop will review mining practices and ask communities about their priorities for reform.

• Thompson Workshop - Tuesday October 20th, 2026 (Completed)
  • DETAILS: Thompson Public Library (81 Thompson Drive North), from 2PM - 4:30PM
• Flin Flon Workshop - Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 (Completed)
  • DETAILS: Flin Flon Community Hall (2 North Ave) from 3PM - 5:30PM
• The Pas Workshop - Thursday October 22nd, 2026 (Completed)
  • DETAILS: The Pas Regional Library (53 Edwards Ave) from 3PM - 5:30PM
• Powerview-Pine Falls Workshop - Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (Completed)
  • DETAILS: Papertown Inn (34 Walleye Lane. Pine Falls, MB) from 2PM - 4:30PM
• Winnipeg Workshop - Friday, November 20, 2026 
  • DETAILS: University of Winnipeg Manitoba Hall Boardroom (Room 2M70) (515 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9) from 1PM - 4:30 PM
• Brandon Workshop - Thursday, December 3rd, 2026
  • DETAILS: Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave, Unit 1, Brandon, MB) from 4PM - 6:30PM

These are FREE workshops - RSVP to save your spot, today! 

Refreshments provided.

We have released a series of fact sheets that provide background information on the mining legal system Manitoba, along with various connected topics. Click on the links below to learn more, or to download the sheets.

• The Mining Sector (October 2026)
• Overview of the Mining Lifecycle (October 2026)
• Critical Minerals (October 2026)
• Public Participation (October 2026)
• Indigenous Rights and the Duty to Consult in Mining and Mineral Development (October 2026)
• Manitoba's Free Entry Mining System (October 2026)
• Manitoba's Mining Royalty Regime (October 2026)

We have developed the following poster that showcases the potential impacts of an open-pit nickel mine in the Canadian Shield. The poster is available in English and Cree, and will soon be available in other languages.

Illustration and poster design by Nicole Burton, Cree translation work performed by Ellen Cook from Misipawistik.

This work would not be possible without funding contributions provided by the Social Sciences Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC) Award 892-2026-0051, and the Manitoba Law Foundation.