Manitoba Eco-Network Releases State of Environmental Governance Report

The Manitoba Eco-Network (MbEN) is pleased to announce the release of the State of the Environmental Governance Report and Companion Document that provides an overview of relevant environmental laws in Manitoba.

The report fills a gap, as Manitobans have been without a fulsome analysis of the state of the environment from provincial sources, or comprehensive data sets since 1997 when the Province of Manitoba’s last State of the Environment Report was published. Since there has been minimal data collected about the state of environmental governance in Manitoba since the last State of Environment report, this report focuses on the state of Manitoba’s environmental governance framework.

“We are very proud of the work we have done, and we feel that this will serve as a valuable reference tool for activists, journalists, academics, policy makers, government officials, and the public at large,” said MbEN Policy Director and lead author and editor Heather Fast.

Key recommendations include the need for a comprehensive review of Manitoba’s environmental laws and policies undertaken in partnership with Indigenous rights holders and include opportunities for meaningful public participation, with funding, throughout the entire process. Formal recognition of the citizens of Manitoba as important stakeholders in provincial environmental governance processes through the adoption of an Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) in Manitoba.  Improved transparency and accountability of decision-making processes. More meaningful public engagement, including better and more funding for public participation. Stronger mechanisms that create opportunities for independent public reviews and coordinate oversight of the provincial environmental governance framework, such as expanding the mandate of the Ombudsperson or Auditor General or the creating of an independent Environmental Commissioner in Manitoba. More training and resources for public officials, administrative tribunals, and Crown corporations so they can more meaningfully engage with the public about environmental governance issues.

Read more on our State of Environmental Governance Report project page.