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.

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
  • DETAILS: Thompson Public Library (81 Thompson Drive North), from 2PM - 4:30PM
• Flin Flon Workshop - Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
  • DETAILS: Flin Flon Community Hall (2 North Ave) from 3PM - 5:30PM
• The Pas Workshop - Thursday October 22nd, 2026
  • DETAILS: The Pas Regional Library (53 Edwards Ave) from 3PM - 5:30PM
• Pine Falls Workshop - Tuesday, November 3, 2026
  • 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)
• Brandon Workshop - Thursday, December 3rd, 4:00pm to 6:30pm,
  • DETAILS: Brandon Public Library, 710 Rosser Ave, Unit 1, Brandon, MB
    

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

Refreshments provided.

We have released a series of factsheets on a variety of topics pertaining to mining in Manitoba. Please click on the links in the list below to learn more.

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

We have also released a poster that depicts the potential impacts of an open-pit nickel mine in the Canadian Shield. Right now the poster is available in English and Cree, but it will be available in other languages soon. The artwork was done by Nicole Burton and the Cree translation was done 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.