E-Newsletter dsfsfa
(February 28, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports low to moderate risk of flooding in most Manitoba basins in its February spring flood outlook. Spring flood risk is largely dependent on weather conditions from now until the spring melt.
At this time, the centre advises there is a moderate risk of flooding along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and in the Interlake region along the Fisher and Icelandic rivers. The risk of spring flooding is generally low along several other rivers including the Souris, Roseau, Rat and Pembina. Water levels are expected to remain below community flood protection levels.
There is also a low risk of flooding for most other Manitoba basins including the Saskatchewan River, Whiteshell lakes area and northern Manitoba. With the exceptions of Dauphin Lake and Lake St. Martin, most Manitoba lakes, including Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, are projected to remain within operating ranges after the spring run-off.
The Department of Infrastructure and Transportation, through a contract with Winnipeg Environmental Remediations Inc., is conducting normal spring ice-cutting
and breaking work along the Red and Icelandic rivers to reduce ice-jam related flooding. Ice cutting and breaking is currently underway on the Red River north of Winnipeg and expected to be completed by March 14. Ice-cutting and breaking work on the Icelandic River is scheduled to start March 17. This work is not being undertaken this spring on the Assiniboine River, along the Portage Diversion, due to a lower risk of ice-jam related flooding.
The centre also reports that operation of the Red River Floodway is expected this spring under unfavourable future weather conditions to reduce water levels within the city of Winnipeg with some operation of the Portage Diversion also anticipated to prevent ice jamming on the Assiniboine River.
The 2023 spring flood outlook report is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/pdf/2023/february_2023_f lood_outlook_report.pdf
The next flood outlook is anticipated to be released in late March.
An update from MBP March 3, 2023 mbbeef.caPreferred route selected
Thank you to everyone who participated in our alternative route segment engagement for the transmission line component of the Pointe du Bois Renewable Energy Project. A preferred route has been determined that aims to balance local concerns and limit overall effects.
Visit our Pointe du Bois renewable energy project to view the map of the preferred route.
Opportunities to get involved
Another round of engagement on the transmission line is now underway. We want to hear your thoughts or concerns about the preferred route to help inform our final route and plans.
Online survey
Tell us what you think of the preferred route in our online survey. Closes on March 31, 2023.
Information sessions
Join us for an information session, virtually or in-person:
• March 15 at noon (virtual).
• March 21 at 7 p.m. (virtual).
• March 25 Open House from 1-4 p.m. at the Pioneer Club in Lac du Bonnet.
To register for a virtual session, please click the link of the day you would like to register, or email projects@hydro.mb.ca or call 1-877-343-1631.
Online feedback portal
Zoom in and comment on the preferred route and see what others are saying in our online feedback portal. Closes on March 31, 2023.
Contact us
• Learn more and sign-up for updates at hydro.mb.ca/prep.
• Email Projects.
• Phone 204-360-7888 or toll-free 1-877-343-1631.
Manitoba Government Sets Stage for $10-A-Day Child Care, Prioritizing New Spaces, Training Early Learning and Child-Care Professionals, and Ensuring Access Across the Province
(March 3, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) As part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing efforts to be a national leader in affordable and accessible child care, Premier Heather Stefanson and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today Manitoba has reached a historic milestone in which Manitoba families will pay a maximum of $10 a day for children 12 years and under for regular hours of care, beginning April 2.
“Our government recognizes that access to affordable and high-quality child care is essential for Manitobans to participate in the workforce, support their families and play an active role in the growth of their communities and the economy,” said Stefanson. “Today, I am proud to share that with the significant initiatives our government has implemented over the past few years to lower parent fees and build capacity in the child-care system, we have gone above and beyond our commitment by reducing all parent fees to $10 a day for children 12 and under attending licensed, funded early learning and child-care centres and homes. Our government recognizes many Manitoba families are struggling to make ends meet and this partnership and our significant investments will save Manitoba families thousands of dollars a year in child-care fees.”
Under the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the Manitoba government committed to decreasing parent fees and reaching an average of $10 per day by 2026. Today, the Manitoba government announced it has surpassed its commitment and has done so three years ahead of schedule, the premier noted.
“Over the past several years, our government has been working diligently to strengthen and grow the early learning and child-care system to be able to effectively implement this significant fee
reduction,” said Ewasko. “We have been working collaboratively with the child-care sector, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and the business community to create thousands of new spaces throughout our province. Additionally, we are supporting initiatives to build a strong workforce so Manitoba families can be confident their children are receiving the best care to support their needs.”
As part of efforts to strengthen the workforce, the Manitoba government also announced today an expression of interest to expand post-secondary training options for early learning and child-care professionals, the minister noted.
“Our government continues making investments to attract, train, and retain child-care professionals,” said Ewasko. “The expression of interest will support training expansion, as well as the development of additional on-site child-care spaces and expansion of existing facilities to create new learning labs and development sites that will allow students to put their in-class learning into practice.”
The expression of interest invites post-secondary institutions to apply for funding to develop new programming to train child-care professionals and will help ensure there are an additional 1,000 childcare assistants and 2,000 early childhood educators by 2026, the minister said, adding that postsecondary institutions are also invited to submit proposals for the expansion of child-care services on campus to support students, employees and communities.
“Early childhood educators are the essential foundation of high-quality child-care services. Investing in the early learning and child-care workforce, both now, and planning for the future, is fundamental to successful system building for
continued on page 4
Manitoba Government Sets Stage for $10-A-Day Child Care, Prioritizing New Spaces, Training Early Learning and Child-Care Professionals, and Ensuring Access Across the Province
children, families and all,” said Jodie Kehl, executive director, Manitoba Child Care Association Inc.
The expression of interest for training expansion closes today, while the expression of interest for child-care expansion and learning lab development closes March 31. The Manitoba government will proceed with the selection process and the development of training programming in the coming weeks, Ewasko said, adding that funding for expanded training options will be provided through the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Over the past two years, the Manitoba government has implemented a number of initiatives to support a high-quality, accessible, inclusive early learning child-care system in the province, Stefanson said, particularly in the following areas: spaces, workforce and affordability. For quality child care to benefit Manitobans, spaces are needed in every community across the province and to achieve this the Manitoba government has:
• provided new, ongoing operating grants to support the creation of over 3,100 affordable child-care spaces;
• partnered with rural municipalities and First Nations communities to build 23 new child-care centres, creating an additional 1,670 spaces; and
• worked with community-based organizations, existing child-care providers, school divisions and other partners to advance the Manitoba government’s overall commitment for 23,000 new childcare spaces by 2026.
The Manitoba government is committed to creating a qualified, motivated workforce of early childhood educators and child-care assistants by improving recruitment, retention and remuneration, and to support this goal has:
• allocated nearly $37 million to implement a wage grid to support wage equity for the early childhood workforce, by providing a 12 per cent increase to revenue per space added to the operating grants;
• implemented the Early Childhood Educators Tuition Reimbursement, providing up to $5,000 per student per academic year, which has already supported 380 students; and
• provided $60 million in quality enhancement grants to child-care facilities to support infrastructure improvements, curriculum development and workforce retention.
Affordable child care provides choices for individuals and families. A provincewide early learning and child-care plan means ensuring all families have access to quality, professional and affordable child care in their community and to meet this need the Manitoba government has:
• provided a further $1 million to almost $140 million in annual provincial funding to support affordable child care for families, with the additional funding ensuring the $10-a-day child care covers a regular day of care for school-aged children;
• expanded net household income thresholds for the Child Care Subsidy Program by 45 per cent in 2022, allowing more families to have child-care fees reduced; and
• provided a $72-million parent fee advance to reduce parent fees through child-care centres.
For more information about early learning and child care in Manitoba, visit: www.manitoba.ca/childcare.
For more information about the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, visit: www.canada.ca/en/earlylearning-child-care-agreement/agreements-provincesterritories/manitoba-canada-wide-2021.html
Guardians of the Grasslands Game launches into Alberta classrooms
Based on the award-winning film, the project aims to teach students the ecosystem services provided by raising cattle on grasslands.
February 27, 2023 – (Calgary, AB) - Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE), a national CheckOff funded program that aims to build public trust in the way beef cattle are raised in Canada, is excited to announce its first gamified learning initiative being delivered into Alberta classrooms this month. The Guardians of the Grasslands Game is based on the award-winning short documentary released in 2019. After a film festival run that included over 25 different selections across North America and multiple accolades for directing, cinematography and research, the film was made publicly available in 2021, garnering over 300,000 views since that time.
The game is an online grazing simulation connected to curriculum outcomes for students in grades 7 through 10 in subjects such as Social Studies, Science and Practical Applied Arts. Participants learn how cattle promote carbon sequestration and provide wildlife habitat through rotational grazing on native grasslands. By moving cattle at the right time, and leaving enough grass behind, players earn carbon points and attract numerous species of wildlife to their land. Other stewardship practices, like using off-stream watering systems, are also featured along with invasive weeds that must be managed through grazing or avoided for toxicity concerns.
“We know that student learning through gamification is an established trend,” comments Amie Peck, who manages the PSE program. “We have had excellent uptake of the Guardians of the Grasslands film in classrooms, especially alongside the resources already created with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and the Canadian Cattle Foundation. We wanted to create a unique experience for students from every background to imagine themselves as land stewards and discover how different decisions result in changes to the ecosystem.”
“Canada’s grasslands are special, precious places and beef farmers and ranchers play a critical role in conserving this ecosystem and all the environmental benefits it provides,” says Kristine Tapley, national lead for sustainable agriculture for Ducks Unlimited Canada. “We are proud to help connect Alberta classrooms to nature where they can see and hear the sights and sounds of a grassland by putting themselves in the virtual boots of the stewards who raise our food.”
This project was made possible through the Youth Literacy in Agriculture funding grant provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) with the Government of Alberta, as well as financial contributions provided by PSE, the Canadian Cattle Foundation and Ducks Unlimited Canada. In-kind sponsorship of the game was provided by Birds Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. While the first version of the game is specific to Alberta, additional classroom versions are being planned for Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia for the fall of 2023.
Play the Guardians of the Grasslands Game today at www.gotggame.ca
Media Contact
Amie PeckPublic and Stakeholder Engagement
403-615-9432
pecka@cattle.ca
About Guardians of the Grasslands
Guardians of The Grasslands is a short documentary brought to you by a group of dedicated conservationists, ranchers, and Canadian filmmakers. The film explores the current state of one of the world's most endangered ecosystems, the Great Plains grasslands, and the role that cattle play in its survival. For more information about the film, visit guardiansofthegrasslands.ca
Public and Stakeholder Engagement
The Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) Program is funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off and administered as a division of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in partnership with Canada Beef and under the oversight of the Canadian Beef Advisors. The PSE team works with national and provincial beef organizations to address consumer questions and communicate the environmental and societal benefits of raising beef cattle in Canada. To find out more about PSE initiatives, visit http://www.raisingcdnbeef.ca
CFIA Holding Consultations re: Animal Feed –Policy and Procedures Updates
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched two 30-day public consultations:
• Proposed changes to the Tables of Permissible Claims for Feed Labels
• Use of foreign decisions for livestock feed approvals in Canada
We invite those in the animal feed industry, including feed manufacturers and livestock producers to share their comments on the proposed requirements by March 9, 2023.
Once an analysis of the feedback has been completed, a ‘What we heard report’ will be published on the CFIA website.
For more information, please refer to our current consultations
LAKE MANITOBA LAKE ST. MARTIN OUTLET CHANNELS PROJECT
Newsletter – 2022 Year-End Wrap-up Issue 20
ADVANCING CONSULTATION –WORKING TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
2022 has been an eventful year for the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project (the Project).
On August 17, 2022, members and leaders of the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) met with Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations (IRNR) Minister, the Honourable Dr. Alan Lagimodiere, and Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) Minister, the Honourable Doyle Piwniuk, to discuss engagement and consultation specifically around the proposed Project.
Jointly, the Honourable Ministers Lagimodiere and Piwniuk released a statement acknowledging that the government has “fallen short in our responsibilities to collaborate fully in the true spirit and intent of reconciliation, and we deeply appreciate this opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous leadership and listen to their concerns.” (https://news.gov. mb.ca/news/index.html?item=55940&posted=2022-08-17)
After the meeting, IRTC released a statement noting the change in the Manitoba government’s approach to consultation and engagement with the First Nations that will be affected by the proposed Outlet channels project. IRTC also noted their “interest in working with the provincial government in
addressing project gaps and willingness to move forward as true partners.” (https://irtc.ca/2022/08/the-irtc-and-thegovernment-of-manitoba-hit-the-reset-button-on-theproposed-outlet-channels-project/)
These collaborative efforts are critical to strengthening relationships between the Manitoba government and Indigenous governments and people. They are also critical to ensure the success of this historic project, which will improve flood protection and increase resilience against climate change.
The Manitoba government acknowledges there is still much work to do to advance reconciliation. While Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) has been working through the environmental assessment process, recognizing the importance of water, land, and resources, MTI is also working to ensure the proposed Project recognizes and considers traditional knowledge and Indigenous understanding of the area.
The recent dialogue is encouraging. It represents a change in the approach to this vital relationship, and how Manitoba, Indigenous groups, and the Project team will move forward together.
From
left to right:
Councillor Darrell Shorting (Little Saskatchewan First Nation), Chief Kurvis Anderson (Pinaymootang First Nation), Minister of IRNR, the Honourable Dr. Alan Lagimodiere, Minister of MTI, the Honourable Doyle Piwniuk, Chief Cornell McLean (Lake Manitoba First Nation), Chief Glenn Hudson (Peguis First Nation), Chief Rod Traverse (Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation), Chief Lawrence Letander (Dauphin River First Nation) and CEO IRTC Karl Zadnik
BILATERAL CONFERENCE CALL WITH MMF PRESIDENT DAVID CHARTRAND
On August 11, 2022 the Minister of MTI, the Honourable Doyle Piwniuk, and the President of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), David Chartrand, discussed engagement and consultation for the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. Both Minister Piwniuk and President Chartrand expressed this as a necessary step forward for the government-to-government relationship. The two officials agreed to make formal plans to meet at a future date to continue building this relationship and to provide updates on the progress of the proposed project.
INDIGENOUS CONSULTATION AND ONGOING ENGAGEMENT
The Manitoba government is currently in phase two of its four-phase consultation and engagement process. This phase includes planning and implementing community-specific consultation processes and activities with each Indigenous community.
Most recently, the team working on the proposed Project met with several communities to hear directly from community members about their thoughts and concerns.
The following meetings were held in in fall 2022:
DATE COMMUNITY
October 19, 2022
October 27, 2022
November 14, 2022
November 17, 2022
November 24, 2022
Lake St. Martin First Nation
Fisher River Cree Nation
Lake Manitoba First Nation
Peguis First Nation
Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation
MTI is working with community leadership to schedule more meetings in early 2023, including Pinaymootang First Nation, Dauphin River First Nation, Little Saskatchewan, Dauphin River Northern Affairs Council, and others. Staff have learned from each of the previous meetings and are working continuously to provide better information to community members to ensure that they have what they need during these meetings and moving forward.
MTI extends its thanks to these communities for allowing the Project team onto their land to discuss the proposed Project. The team heard many people express what they care about and what is important to them and their families. The team indicated that they were grateful for all the comments that were shared, and acknowledged that it might have been difficult for some community members to share their personal experiences and concerns.
The department’s intent with these meetings is to provide information so that individual community members can understand the project and provide the meaningful feedback. The information community members shared is valuable in helping MTI to ensure that this proposed Project does as little harm as possible, while protecting the people who live and survive on Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin.
The Project team acknowledged that, even where there has been disagreement about the proposed Project, all of the communities have shown the team generous hospitality and kindness.
NEW ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED
On Aug 17, 2022, the Manitoba government announced $3.1 million in funding to implement an Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) for the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. The intent of this new committee is to offer advice throughout the construction and operation phase of the proposed Project to improve water regulation and reduce the likelihood of flooding along Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin. Going forward, this committee is expected to have a role in keeping communities informed while providing a venue for voicing questions, concerns and observations to help to avoid negative impacts.
“As planning and implementation work on the project continues, this Environmental Advisory Committee will formalize that ongoing engagement process to ensure meaningful input, accurate information and constructive feedback are openly shared,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister, the Honourable Doyle Piwniuk. This announcement affirms the Manitoba government’s commitment to collaboration in the true spirit and intent of reconciliation.
NEW INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND ANNOUNCED
On October 5, 2022, the Manitoba government announced a new $15-million fund to support Indigenous economic development opportunities related to the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. This fund is a tool to help communities unlock more meaningful economic benefits that last beyond the project construction dates.
MTI staff will be contacting communities soon to discuss if and how they wish to collaborate on the development of the fund to ensure that it meets community needs.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please share your thoughts on the Project. You can participate in the way that works for you! Come to meetings; contact your local Community Coordinator, Band office, government office, or association. Send us an e-mail at outletchannels@gov.mb.ca
If you are not yet ready to share your opinion, but want to learn more about the Project, please visit https://www. manitoba.ca/mit/wms/lmblsmoutlets/index.html
Please note that the Project is still in the environmental assessment process, which is both a planning and decision-making tool. That means MTI needs your input to understand what needs to be done to mitigate your concerns if the proposed Project proceeds.
To learn more about the regulatory review of the project, or to provide commentary to federal and provincial regulators, please visit the provincial and federal Public Registries:
- Manitoba Environmental Assessment and Licensing Branch – Public Registry:
• https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/eal/ registries/5966lstmartin/index.html
- Canadian Impact Assessment Registry:
• https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80148
Registration is Open!
SUSTAINABILITY OF CANADIAN AGRICULTURE
2023 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 7- 9, 2023
Tuesday March 7
Achieving net zero emissions
Wednesday March 8
Role of Indigenous agriculture in our food systems
HOLOS model workshop
Thursday March 9
Is biodiversity the new carbon? Canada’s Living Lab Update
VISIT US AT:
Sustainable food production systems: Exploring new and traditional knowledge https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/sustainability-canadian-agriculture-2023
Photo: DUCBring the family, stop by the MBP booth and discover how Manitoba’s vibrant world of agriculture enhances our daily lives at Discover Agriculture in the City – March 18th at The Forks!
It’s a hands-on celebration of where our food comes from and the people who help get it to our tables.
Enjoy locally sourced food samples, exhibitor booths, games, giveaways, prizes and more – including QX104FM live on location from 9am to 1pm.
#AgInTheCity2023
IGames, giveaways, prizes
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