MBP E-Newsletter: June 16/2023

An update from MBP June 16, 2023 mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Government Working with Municipalities to Streamline Legacy Drainage Compliance

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(June 15, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is responding to feedback from municipalities to help take a co-ordinated approach on bringing unlicensed drainage works into compliance and achieve best value from the licensing system, Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein announced.

“Our government is listening to our municipal partners and taking further steps to streamline the way we administer licensing for legacy drainage infrastructure,” said Klein. “Allowing multiple projects on a single licence provides greater value for money for municipalities and taxpayers.”

The Manitoba government and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities are working together on a legacy drainage licensing project. Additionally, the Manitoba government is encouraging municipalities to bundle connected legacy drainage projects together into one

• defraying the cost of the licence over multiple projects, providing greater value for money for municipalities and ratepayers; and

• encouraging a planned approach to drainage maintenance on a watershed basis.

“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities commends the Manitoba government for taking action to address long-standing municipal concerns related to drainage project approvals. This new initiative will not only streamline the approvals process but also significantly reduce costs for municipalities,” said Kam Blight, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

The Manitoba government is also working to enhance drainage compliance across the province, including enhanced resources for enforcement in Budget 2023 and a review of pre-set fine levels to bring these into line with the new licensing and registration model.

DEADLINE: June 23 at 4:30pm

I OUTREACH &KNDWtED

APPLYTODAYFORTHE $2000 CANADIANBEEF CHECK-OFF AGENCY

Manitoba Government Bolsters Conservation Officer Service With New Dispatch Service, ReEstablished District Office

(June 14, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) A new 24-7 centralized dispatch service for Manitoba conservation officers will enhance officer safety in the field and strengthen environmental enforcement across the province, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced.

“Manitoba’s conservation officers are on the front lines each day protecting both public safety and our province’s valuable natural resources. They often do this work alone in remote areas with limited, if any, cell service,” said Nesbitt. “Having this central and reliable communication system will be a lifeline that ensures their safety as well as the rapid co-ordination of enforcement resources during critical situations and emergencies.”

The Manitoba government has signed a $1.2-million contract with the Brandon Public-Safety Communication Centre, operated by the City of Brandon, to provide 24-7 dispatch for the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service.

The Brandon Public-Safety Communication Centre is well-equipped to provide this essential service provincewide, Nesbitt said, noting the centre currently provides emergency dispatch for seven police agencies and 192 fire departments, as well as Manitoba-based enforcement officers of the Canadian Wildlife Service.

“Our government commends leadership in Brandon for their foresight in establishing this integrated, interagency collaboration to provide a valuable service not only to residents of Brandon, but Manitobans in rural communities across our province,” said Goertzen. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our public safety partners in the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service for their dedication and commitment to Manitobans.”

The addition of a centralized dispatch builds on a previous investment of $380 million made by the Manitoba government in 2018 to replace the province’s FleetNet emergency communications system, Goertzen noted. In addition to improving officer safety, the dispatch will serve as a foundation for improved co-

ordination and support for rural policing and emergency services.

The initial contract with the City of Brandon is for a three-year period, with an option for a two-year extension.

“The Public-Safety Communications department of the City of Brandon is excited to be working with Manitoba’s conservation officers,” said Robert Stewart, director of emergency communications, Brandon Public-Safety Communication Centre. “Officer safety is a high priority for our well-trained staff of dispatchers and call-takers, so extending this protection to conservation officers is a natural step for both our organizations.”

Additionally, the Manitoba government is re-establishing a Conservation Officer Service district office in Brandon which will increase officer presence and improve response times to better serve western Manitoba.

The re-establishment of the district office and introduction of dispatch services advance plans by the Manitoba government to revitalize the Conservation Officer Service, a key commitment in the 2022 throne speech, the ministers noted.

In December, a $1.7-million investment supported the purchase of new protective clothing, safety equipment, tactical tools and communications technology, including radios that will readily integrate with the new communication system. Last fall, the Manitoba government signed a $300,000, three-year contract for a dedicated helicopter service to enhance enforcement of illegal night hunting and other unsafe hunting activities.

Additionally, 11 new unmarked patrol vehicles were added to the Conservation Officer Service fleet. These vehicles provide another tool for conservation officers to use as part of operational tactics, ensuring officers are able to continue offering vital resource protection and public safety activities, the ministers added.

To report poachers and human-wildlife interactions, Manitobans can call the Conservation Officer Service TIP line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS 2023-24 Scholarship Intake

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

This application process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2023-24 academic year. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023.

The scholarship criteria are as follows:

Eligibility:

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2023-24 academic year.

• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit:

• The completed application form;

• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;

• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);

• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2023-24);

• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,

• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in February 2024 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.

The completed application, all supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 to the attention of:

Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee

220 – 530 Century Street

Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4

E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca

Fax: (204) 774-3264

For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 11, 2023.

Year

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

PLEASE PRINT

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________ Email:

Date of birth: _____________________________

Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________

Are you a beef producer? _____________________________

Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)?

Current institute of enrolment: ________________________________________________________

Institute and your intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training in 2023-24:

Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay or Short Video Submission Requirement: Please submit either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* OR a 5-7 minute video on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture No preference will be given to either option.

*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in February 2024 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.

Please return the following: completed application form; typed essay or video submission; a copy of your transcript; proof of enrolment in a recognized institution or an apprenticeship program (current transcript, letter of acceptance, or a letter of intent to pursue further studies); a list of your community involvement; and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2023 to the attention of:

Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee

220 – 530 Century Street

Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4

Email: info@mbbeef.ca

Fax (204) 774-3264

Producers Encouraged to Provide Feedback on Proposed Changes to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Until July 17

(Source: Manitoba Agriculture Website) On June 2, 2023, the Minister of Agriculture announced proposed changes to further enhance the Agricultural Crown Lands Program. Through amendments to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation, under The Crown Lands Act, Manitoba is proposing to:

• Determine forage capacity at the outset of a forage lease or renewable permit (evaluating AUMs)

• Expand eligibility to hold an agricultural Crown lands lease or permit to include Indigenous organizations

• Allow terms of new leases (post October 2019) to be extended by five years to a maximum of 20 years where a forage management plan has been implemented and good land management has been demonstrated

• Allow new leaseholders (post October 2019) to transfer the remainder of thelease term to another eligible party

• Allow leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder for leases issued before October 2019, provided the lease is not selected through Treaty Land Entitlement

• Valuing improvements at the end of a lease through a third party appraiser Please review the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permit RegulationProposed Amendments.

Please review the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permit Regulation - Proposed Amendments.

Or see pages 7-22 of this newsletter

Send us your thoughts and suggestions to help refine Manitoba's proposed Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Comments can be provided through the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at http://reg.gov.mb.ca/home

For more information on agricultural Crown lands, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/.

Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation

Proposed Amendments

June 2023

A message from the Minister

Dear Manitobans,

I am pleased to introduce proposed changes to further enhance the Agricultural Crown Lands Program through amendments to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation, a regulation under The Crown Lands Act. Agricultural Crown lands (ACL) are an important public asset economically, environmentally, and socially. Agriculturally, these Crown lands are essential to supporting and growing the livestock industry in Manitoba. In addition, many Indigenous peoples utilize these lands for traditional purposes and to exercise Treaty and Aboriginal rights.

Through these regulatory changes Manitoba aims to build productivity investments by balancing the requests from existing and potential new ACL leaseholders, Indigenous peoples and communities. Since 2018, Manitoba Agriculture has sought and reviewed feedback from forage leaseholders around rent costs, lease terms and conditions, land productivity, and programs and services. Furthermore, various Indigenous communities, organizations, and bands have increased participation in the use and management of agricultural Crown lands.

The proposed amendments to the regulation will update the Agricultural Crown Land Program by:

- Determining forage capacity at the outset of a forage lease or renewable permit (evaluating animal unit months or AUMs)

- Expanding eligibility to hold an agricultural Crown lands lease or permit to include Indigenous organizations

- Allowing terms of new leases (post October 2019) to be extended by five years to a maximum of 20 years where a forage management plan has been implemented and good land management has been demonstrated

- Allowing new leaseholders (post October 2019) to transfer the remainder of their lease term to another eligible party

- Allowing leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder for leases issued before October 2019, provided the lease is not selected through Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE)

- Valuing improvements at the end of a lease through a third party appraiser

We want to make sure we are considering stakeholder perspectives for the management of provincial agricultural Crown land as a public asset. We encourage you to share your ideas as we continue to implement changes to enhance and modernize the Agricultural Crown Lands Program.

Sincerely,

Honourable Derek Johnson Minister, Manitoba Agriculture

The Agricultural Crown Lands Program

Manitoba’s Agricultural Crown Lands Program administers agricultural Crown lands to support the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd, contribute to ecological goods and services, and provide mitigation and adaptation to climate change, while recognizing Indigenous use for traditional purposes and to exercise Treaty and Aboriginal rights.

Provincial Crown lands are lands that are vested with the Manitoba government. The Manitoba government uses a planning process to determine how parcels of Crown land may be used. This planning process has identified approximately 1.5 million acres as suitable for agricultural use and is designated as agricultural Crown lands. While important to agriculture, it also supports the ecological and environmental priorities of many Manitobans that enjoy these vast areas and the natural diversity they offer.

The Agricultural Crown Lands Program facilitates the use of provincial land for agriculture, in the form of cropping leases, forage leases and hay and grazing permits. Forage leases, held primarily by cattle producers, account for the majority of the Agricultural Crown Lands Program activity.

Since 2017, Manitoba has been committed to modernizing the Agricultural Crown Lands Program. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation (Regulation) was amended in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022 including:

- Expanding eligibility to hold a lease or permit to Canadian residents and First Nations bands;

- Shifting from a points system to a tender system and finally to an auction-based system;

- Calculating forage rents using a market-based formula;

- Eliminating the ability of leaseholders to transfer an agricultural Crown lands lease to a third party as part of a farm sale and limiting transfers to immediate family members only;

- Eliminating lease terms and limiting new lease terms to a maximum of 15 years; and

- Enabling a 50 per cent rent reduction as a 2023 adjustment in annual rent or fee.

In October 2022, an EngageMB survey was held to gather views surrounding forage leases under the Agricultural Crown Lands Program and ways to enhance leaseholder investment in agricultural Crown land parcels to improve productivity. Respondents indicated increased need for departmental support, cost-shared programming to improve productivity, longer term lengths, assurances of return on investments and parcel improvements, and an ability to transfer their lease. A summary of the survey can be found at Agricultural Crown Lands Program - Forage Leases | EngageMB.

Determining Land Productivity

A key priority of the Manitoba government is to maximize livestock numbers and improve forage productivity in the ACL Program through the use of well managed native and tame pasture. Proper land management requires a producer to be familiar with the amount of dry matter forage the pasture can produce and the amount of forage required over the grazing season by each animal and the herd as a whole. As such, the proper combination of land, time and number of animals ensures the sustained, long-term productivity of the pasture.

Forage capacity of ACL leases are based on the available animal unit months for each parcel, as determined by the department of Agriculture. The optimum number of animals on the pasture makes efficient use of the forage without waste, but still leaves enough forage to allow quick and complete recovery. In 2019, Manitoba brought in changes to rental rates, including developing a linkage between the rental rate and cattle markets. Through this amendment, Manitoba is proposing changes to determine the forage capacity or the animal unit months of an ACL parcel at the outset of a lease or renewable permit. This is an incentive for leaseholders to increase productivity through management and investment without a corresponding increase in rent; the Animal Unit Month will not change during the lease term.

Current State

The annual rent of fee for an agricultural forage lease or permit is determined by formula.

Annual Rent = A x B x 3.5%, where:

A = is the average price of beef published by Canfax

B = is the forage capacity of the land or number of Animal Unit Months that the land is capable of producing in an average year.

Proposed Enhancement

Forage capacity is the number of Animal Unit Months that the land is capable of producing.

The description of B in the formula is the forage capacity of the land in an average year at the time the lease or permit is issued or renewed. The forage capacity of the land is determined at the time the lease or permit is issued or, in the case of a legacy lease, renewed. The forage capacity of the land established at the outset of the lease will remain in place should a lease qualify for a fiveyear extension.

Animal Unit Month

The amount of forage required by one animal unit (AU) for one month is called an Animal Unit Month (AUM). One animal unit is defined as a 1,000 lb. (450 kg) beef cow with or without a nursing calf with a daily intake requirement of 26 lb. (11.8 kg) of dry matter forage. Therefore, one AUM is equal to 780 lbs (355 kg) of dry matter forage intake (30 days X daily forage requirement).

Example: a parcel capable of producing enough forage for 40 AUMs could sustain 10, 1,000 lb beef cows for 4 months (10 cows x 4 months = 40 AUMs). Generally, cows are larger than this and one cow may account for greater than one AUM, possibly in the 1.3 AUMs per cow range. In this case, the same parcel may only support seven or eight cows for the same period.

More information on stocking rates and AUMs is available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livesto ck/sheep/how-to-determine-stockingrates-for-manitoba-pastures.html.

Expanding Eligibility

Since 2017, Manitoba has increased efforts toward truth and reconciliation and enabled legislation to encourage and allow interested Indigenous groups to hold agricultural Crown lands leases and permits. Regulatory change in 2019 expanded eligibility to First Nation bands to hold a lease or renewable permit for the first time. Additionally, First Nations have received more frequent notices for ACL available for Treaty Land Entitlement selection, as leases are now being circulated prior to reallocation through the auction process. Manitoba is proposing to further expand eligibility for holding an ACL lease or permit to groups representing First Nations, Metis, and other Indigenous communities.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

The following entities are eligible to hold an agricultural lease or permit:

- a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

- a Partnership made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

- a First Nations band

- a forage cooperative made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

- a Hutterite colony or a corporation owned by a Hutterite colony or similar organization

- a corporation made up of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

The amendment proposes to enhance the eligibility of a band to include any non-profit organization that represent the interests of one or more bands, individuals of Metis decent, or holders of Aboriginal or Treaty rights. This amendment intends to enable participation of not-for-profit partnerships between First Nations, Metis, and other Indigenous organizations in the Agricultural Crown Lands Program and for these partnerships to be eligible to hold an agricultural Crown land lease or permit.

Extending a Lease

Currently, all agricultural Crown land forage leases issued after 2019 have a 15-year term in Manitoba. However, there is a significant discrepancy in the ability to renew leases issued before October 2019, and forage leases issued by auction since October 2019. Manitoba is proposing an amendment that would allow new system leases the option to extend the term of a lease from 15 years to 20 years for leaseholders that practice good land management.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

The Regulation allows for a forage lease issued before October 2019 to be renewed indefinitely with a term of up to 15 years.

Conversely, there is no ability to renew a forage lease issued after October 1, 2019. These leases were initially allocated by public auction, and at the end of the 15-year term, the lease returns to public auction.

Manitoba is proposing to allow a five-year extension on a 15-year lease term for qualifying leases issued after October 2019. Leaseholders that complete and implement a forage management plan for at least the last five years of the 15year lease term, are eligible for a five year extension, thus making the lease term up to 20 years.

A forage management plan outlines practices that support sustainable management of forage leases and improved forage productivity. The plan must be developed and approved by a professional agrologist. Costs associated with plan development would be the responsibility of the leaseholder. These plans are not mandatory, however without one, the lease term cannot exceed 15 years.

Only one extension period is available. At the end of the lease term, the land will be put to auction and reallocated. The outgoing leaseholder is eligible to bid on the lease and, if successful, would be allocated a new 15-year lease with a possible five-year extension.

There are no proposed changes to the ability to renew a forage lease issued before October 2019 (legacy lease).

Transferring a Lease

Prior to 2019, leaseholders had the ability to transfer an ACL lease or renewable permit to any eligible third party as part of a farm sale. In 2019, amendments limited transfers to immediate family members only. Manitoba is proposing an amendment that would allow new system leases to be transferred to new leaseholders within the 15-year term.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

Leases or permits issued under the Regulation may be transferred to family members or corporate entities or partnerships controlled by family members, only.

In instances where a leaseholder has an ownership interest in a partnership or corporation, the leaseholder can transfer their ownership interest to another ownership interest (non-family) in the same partnership or corporation.

For either purposes, a share transfer or transfer of a partnership interest are deemed to be a transfer of the lease.

The transfer provision will no longer be limited to family. The proposed amendment will allow unlimited transfers of new system forage lease or renewable permits to any eligible lessee for the remainder of the lease term.

The eligible person or entity taking over a new system lease, or to whom it is transferred, is not issued a new 15-year lease. The new leaseholder will be limited to the remainder of the original lease period. A five-year extension is available if a forage management plan was completed and followed by the previous leaseholder, the succeeding leaseholder, or a combination of the two.

Legacy leases issued before October 1, 2019 can only be transferred within families, or to a partnership or corporation where each owner of the partnership or corporation is a family member.

Since 2019, there is a significant distinction in the term lengths and ability to renew different types of leases.

Legacy lease – a lease originally issued prior to October 2019. This type of lease is in place until age 65, at which time it has an unlimited ability for renewal. At age 65, the leaseholder can apply to renew their lease for a further 15 years.

New system lease - forage leases issued after October 2019. This type of lease has been allocated through auction and cannot be renewed.

Nominating a New Leaseholder

Prior to 2019, a ‘unit transfer’ of leases allowed leaseholders to transfer leases together with deeded farmland, thereby increasing the value of the total operation. However, this reduced access to ACL by new/young farmers trying to establish and grow farming operations. In 2019, in an effort to increase lands available to young producers, the ‘unit transfer’ was removed. Since then, producers and ranchers have indicated that losing the unit transfer provision severely reduced the sale value of their operations, and requested it be re-instated. Manitoba needs to balance this with the goals of ensuring access to land for young producers, while respecting and adhering to agreements made by government to Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE), First Nations and Indigenous peoples. Manitoba proposes allowing legacy leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder, provided the land is not selected through the TLE process, and does not impact Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

The Regulation allows for a forage lease issued before October 2019 (legacy lease) to be renewed indefinitely, with a term of up to 15 years.

Legacy leases are transferrable to family members, or to partnerships or corporations owned by family members. In these cases, the lease retains all of the legacy lease features including renewable 15-year lease terms at age 65, and the ability to transfer to a family member, or to partnerships or corporations owned by family members.

The only mechanism for a non-family member to access ACL parcels currently held by a legacy lease holder, is for the legacy lease to be surrendered or cancelled, and have the

For forage leases issued prior to October 2019, leaseholders can continue the practice of transferring a legacy lease to a family member, who would retain all legacy lease provisions including renewable 15year terms at age 65.

A new provision will allow legacy leaseholders to nominate the next leaseholder. This provision could be used to link land or farm sales to Crown land leases integral to the farm’s operation; however a land sale will not be required. The nominee can be anyone eligible to hold a lease, and must be in good standing. To be eligible to apply for the nomination process, the leaseholder must not have contravened the terms of the lease at any time, including paying late, subletting, or having allowed the condition of the forage to decline. The legacy lease would be terminated and the new leaseholder would be issued a new system lease with a term up to 15 years. However, the land must go through a review process to ensure it is eligible for this type of transfer.

Under the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework Agreement, government has a legal duty to offer unencumbered Crown lands for TLE selection. Under the agreement, any TLE First Nations must be notified of available land in their identified Community Interest Zone. The TLE First Nation is given time to assess and select Crown lands for incorporation into their Reserve holdings if desired. Allowing these legacy leases to be transferred to an eligible third party, without first offering the lands to TLE First Nations for selection is non-compliant with our Treaty obligations. In addition, impacted First Nations and Indigenous communities also need to be provided the opportunity to identify if the new lease will impact Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

new lease holder acquire the lease through auction.

A process to transfer unselected agricultural Crown lands that is compliant with Treaty obligations and Aboriginal and Treaty rights has been developed for the new nomination process. Under the proposed amendment, legacy leaseholders can apply for the ability to nominate the next leaseholder for a newsystem lease. Once a legacy leaseholder makes an application to nominate the next leaseholder, government circulates the parcel to impacted communities and follows the TLE Framework Agreement process to notify eligible First Nations that Crown land is available for selection or allocation. The eligible TLE First Nation has up to six months in total to select the land for TLE, or not. If the land is selected, the lease is immediately terminated and the land begins the process of reverting to Reserve status. If the lands are not selected, and no impacts to Aboriginal and Treaty rights are indicated, the department can provide a nomination certificate that provides the leaseholder with two years to nominate the next leaseholder.

For clarity, outgoing leaseholders that apply for a nomination certificate cannot withdraw their application once the TLE process is initiated. Outgoing leaseholders and prospective buyers involved in land transactions linked to ACL and possible nominees should fully understand potential outcomes of the TLE process, and the impact they may have on prospective transactions.

Figure 1: Proposed options for transferring or nominating the next leaseholder of a legacy lease or lease issued before October 2019.

Figure 2: First Nations Reserves in Agro-Manitoba and current Community Interest Zones reserved on behalf of 21 Entitlement First Nations as per the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement and the Notice Area for the Peguis Treaty Entitlement Agreement.

Source:

https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/datasets/manitoba::co mmunity-interest-zones-inmanitoba/explore?location=54.359521%2C94.027567%2C5.48

Valuing Improvements

During the period a lease is in effect, lessees often construct improvements on the land, such as fences, shelters for cattle, constructed water sources, troughs, etc. This creates an ‘unknown’ for bidders at the lease auction – a winning bidder may be required to compensate an outgoing leaseholder without knowing in advance what the amount of compensation will be. The current negotiation and arbitration process for value disputes has resulted in a number of complaints to the department of Agriculture. Manitoba is proposing an amendment that provides an assessed value at the time of auction to better inform the potential bidders.

Current State Proposed Enhancement

Outgoing leaseholders can be compensated by the incoming leaseholder for improvements made to the agricultural Crown lands provided the land is released within two years. The outgoing leaseholder can also remove chattel improvements, such as fences, or can forego compensation for improvements.

Under the current regulation, the process for determining this value is negotiated between the incoming and outgoing leaseholders. If they fail to agree on an amount, The Arbitration Act guides compensation.

To encourage investment and compensate those leaseholders for making productivity improvements like cross-fencing, water supply development, etc., the ability for the outgoing leaseholder to be compensated for any identified improvements by the incoming leaseholder will continue. However, the proposed method to determine the value of the improvements will change.

In the last year of their lease, outgoing leaseholders that choose to be compensated for improvements must obtain an appraisal, from an accredited appraiser, which indicates the value of the eligible improvements. The cost of the appraisal is their responsibility. The outgoing leaseholder cannot appeal the appraisal but can obtain a second appraisal if they disagree with the initial valuation.

The appraised value is posted at the time of the auction. If the lease is reallocated within two years of expiry, the successful bidder must pay the outgoing leaseholder the posted amount. If reallocation takes more than two years, compensation from the incoming leaseholder is not required and there is no compensation for improvements to the outgoing leaseholder.

Investing in Productivity

The proposed Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation amendment also formalizes Manitoba’s commitment to provide a temporary rent reduction. In the fall of 2022, Manitoba committed to implementing a temporary rent reduction over three years for forage lease and renewable hay and grazing permits on agricultural Crown lands. Current leaseholders have already received the benefit of the first year’s rent reduction of 50 per cent, with future reductions formalized at 33 per cent in 2024 and 15 per cent in 2025. Forage leaseholders do not need to apply for the support, the reduction is automatically applied to each year’s bill.

In addition to regulatory changes to support the Agricultural Crown Lands Program, Manitoba Agriculture is exploring opportunities to further enhance ACL productivity. As such, the department is considering increasing extension services to forage leaseholders, and offering cost-shared programs aimed at improving agricultural Crown land productivity. For more information, please see https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land.

Engagement and Consultation

We want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and suggestions to help refine Manitoba’s proposed Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation amendment under The Crown Lands Act. Comments can be provided through the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at http://reg.gov.mb.ca/home.

Proposed Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) Lease Transfer

Process For Legacy Leases and 15-Year New-System Leases

Current ACL Lease System: Limited Transfer Rights

LEGACY LEASES (ISSUED PRIOR TO 2019)

NEW SYSTEM LEASES (ISSUED AFTER 2019)

Proposed ACL Lease System: Expanded Transfer Rights

“Legacy Lease” Transfer Process with TLE Notification

NOTE: No compensation to outgoing leaseholder for leasehold improvements! Notification letter to indicate next availability of land is 15 years

Indefinite renewals

Farm makes decision to exit

Farm makes application to request “right to nominate next leaseholder”

Land parcel is located within a TLE CIZ

AGR notifies eligible FNs of available land for selection

FN indicates interest

60 days

TLE assessment process begins

60 days

FN selects land

120 days

ACL lease is terminated. Addition-toReserve process begins.

120 days

AGR provides certification for leaseholder to nominate the next leaseholder for a new-system lease within 2 years

Upcoming community workshops for the Southwest Manitoba Priority Places Initiative

• Hear about and share Species at Risk and habitat conservation programming in your area

• Tell us what you value about nature in your community

• Tell us about activities or programs that you would like to see

• Share your thoughts on local conservation efforts

• Help create a project vision that reflects your community’s priorities

Lunch and refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Workshop dates and locations include:

June 20th 10am – 3pm CST at the Melita Legion Memorial Hall, 95 Main Street R0M 1L0, Melita, MB.

July 25th 10am – 3pm CST, at the Elk’s Lounge, The Shamrock Centre, 725, Broadway Avenue, Killarney, MB, R0K 1GO

July 25th 6:30pm – 8:30pm CST at the Elk’s Lounge, The Shamrock Centre, 725, Broadway Avenue, Killarney, MB, R0K 1GO

July 26th 10am – 3pm CST – Glenboro United Church, Christian Education Building, 116 Duncan Street, Glenboro, MB, R0K 0X0

Please circulate this invite to colleagues, networks and friends who may wish to offer

their perspectives. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP by email with a list of names and organizational titles of who will be attending to help us plan for numbers, however drop-in attendees are more than welcome.  If you have questions, please reach out to Michael Iyaji (NCC)

at michael.iyaji@natureconservancy.ca, or Steven Anderson at steven.anderson@natureconservancy.ca.

More workshops are planned for later in 2023 if these locations and dates work better for you! Additional details will be provided closer to the next workshop dates: Birtle (Aug 29), Virden (Aug 30) and Brandon (October).

This event is part of the Southwest Manitoba Priority Place Conservation Planning Initiative.

This is a joint initiative led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in partnership with communities, government, and conservation organizations in the Southwest Manitoba Priority Place (see map). We will be developing a shared plan to coordinate action to conserve, protect and recover endangered and threatened species and the land and waters they rely on.  The intent is to create a community-driven initiative that focuses on partnership. Over the coming months a series of workshops will be held to gain input and perspective from communities across southwest Manitoba.

Industry Update: Canada Beef launches the Cuts by Colour Guide, powered by the Gateway

June 13, 2023

Calgary, AB – Canada Beef is pleased to announce the launch of a new resource designed to support Canadian beef farmers and ranchers.

The Cuts by Colour Guide is an effective tool for those selling and purchasing Canadian beef and provides full integration with the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway). The Guide was initially requested on behalf of New Brunswick beef farmers and ranchers, and Canada Beef was happy to oblige.

“We approached Canada Beef to develop a resource for us that would improve communication with consumers, and they responded. We wanted a guide designed to help butchers, abattoirs, and beef farmers and ranchers who sell beef directly to consumers,” said Trevor Welch, Chair of the New Brunswick Cattle Producers.

The Cuts by Colour Guide includes a holder for convenient takeaway cards with QR codes, giving consumers access to the wealth of information from the Gateway by simply scanning the codes with a smart phone. The cards enable consumers to access the information available on the Gateway anytime regardless of whether they are at point of purchase or at home meal planning, prepping, or cooking beef.

The colour coding in the Guide provides simple and clear visuals as to where the various cuts originate, descriptions of the cuts, cooking methods, tips, tricks and more. The Guide is intended to be placed on a wall and is 24” x 18” in size.

Welch said the Guide will help consumers learn about the various beef cuts and how best to prepare them. It will also assist them in feeling more confident about purchasing and preparing a wider range of beef cuts.

“This resource will bridge the gap between butchers and consumers by providing helpful information on the beef products that can be created when purchasing larger portions of a beef carcass. It will also help consumers who prefer to buy directly from local beef farmers and ranchers,” explained Welch.

Mike Guest, a member of Canada Beef’s Market Development and Promotion Committee, noted the Guide is another way Canada Beef can encourage Canadians to try new ways to cook the beef they love and try less familiar cuts, resulting in higher carcass utilization, which benefits producers and may increase sales. “The Guide will help to ensure consumers experience maximum enjoyment of their Canadian beef.”

An online version of the Cuts by Colour Guide is available here The information on the main landing page highlights primals, subprimals and retail cuts with recipes and other information from the Gateway

Canada Beef will be providing the provincial cattle associations with printed copies of the Guide that includes an instructional sheet, the holder for the takeaway cards and the cards themselves, for further distribution to beef producers, butchers, and abattoirs throughout their province. Plans are also underway to distribute the Guides at industry events, tradeshows, and local producer meetings.

Guest, who sells direct from gate-to-plate, said he can attest that the Cuts by Colour Guide is an excellent resource for producers who sell beef from their family farms. “We hope Canada’s beef farmers and ranchers will take advantage of these Guides to better communicate with their customers, so they get the best out of their delicious Canadian beef purchase,” he said.

To reserve your copy of the Cuts by Colour Guide, click here.

For more information, please contact:

Gina Teel, APR Director, Stakeholder Communications

Canada Beef

e. gteel@canadabeef.ca

c. 403.875.3616

www.canadabeef.ca

About the Canadian Beef Information Gateway

The Canadian Beef Information Gateway is a digital ecosystem full of a wealth of information for consumers with over 70 beef cuts including recipes with videos, nutrition and grading information, cooking methods, shopping and ingredient lists and more. All of this is to help ensure the consumer has access to resources during meal planning, shopping, and cooking to maximize their enjoyment of delicious Canadian beef.

To learn more about how the Gateway is serving the Canadian beef industry, please visit: https://canadabeef.ca/stakeholder-gateway.

About Canada Beef

As the marketing division of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has staff in Canada, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Mexico. In addition to National Check-Off and import levy funding, Canada Beef leverages cattle producer dollars with private market partner investments and government industry development funding to maximize the benefits of producer check-off investment.

Job Opportunity: Youth Engagement Coordinator

CANADIAN COUNCIL ON INVASIVE SPECIES/INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL OF MANITOBA

Location: This position is remote from anywhere in Manitoba with occasional travel within the province.

Duration: Full-time, until March 31, 2024 (with possibility of extension)

Hours: 37.5/week

Salary range: $45-50,000

Start Date: as soon as possible

About Us

The Invasive Species Council of Manitoba (ISCM) is a nonprofit organization providing a centralized and coordinated province-wide leadership body & adopting a collaborative approach to the prevention, early detection, management, and potential eradication of invasive species in Manitoba. The ISCM was formed out the demand for collaboration among stakeholders in December of 2006, and continues to grow and gain momentum. This position is a collaborative initiative between ISCM and the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS). The CCIS is a national non-profit organization that works with partners across Canada to support actions and share information that can help reduce the threat and impacts of invasive species.

Job Overview

We are seeking an exceptional individual who is passionate about youth empowerment to take the lead, provincially, in managing local and partnership projects at both regional and national levels. As the Youth Engagement Coordinator, your primary responsibility will be to engage and empower youth in initiatives related to invasive species and environmental conservation. By inspiring and supporting youth locally and virtually, you will encourage them to take on leadership roles, guiding them to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.

In this role, you will play a crucial part in building the capacity of the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba (ISCM) and driving forward important youth-focused work. By working closely with young people, you will enable them to lead projects that address invasive species and other environmental concerns in their communities, benefiting Manitoba ecosystems, rural and urban forests, and species at risk. You will be instrumental in raising public awareness about the impact of invasive species, while simultaneously fostering a strong network of youth engagement coordinators at a national level. Collaborating with other Youth Engagement Coordinators across provinces, you will contribute to the development of a powerful and united youth network.

Your other responsibilities will involve collaborating with the ISCM Board to enhance organizational capacity and drive crucial initiatives that propel invasive species efforts forward. The work you accomplish will have significant positive outcomes, benefiting Manitoba ecosystems, rural and urban forests, species at risk, and increasing public awareness regarding the issue of invasive species.

If you are driven by the desire to empower and engage young individuals, making a lasting impact on invasive species initiatives while building a strong national youth network, we encourage you to apply for this dynamic position as our Youth Engagement Coordinator.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Identify, directly engage, and support youth/young adults in their community and/or online to build capacity and skills to become solutions leaders in their communities.

• Facilitate meaningful dialogue between a wide range of youth and young adults, enabling responsible actions to protect the environment in their communities.

• Support planning and delivery of events to bring individuals together for enhanced work and life skills, and to learn from experts on a variety of topics including invasive species, outreach, and communications.

• Mentor youth to develop and skills and confidence to lead community projects

• Build and support a virtual youth network to enable on-the-ground conservation action and to help inform future priorities and actions.

• Foster an inclusive environment with youth, engaging youth from diverse backgrounds.

• Work collaboratively with a national team, including program staff and volunteers, to enhance the role of organizational partners as outstanding leaders in youth engagement and development.

• Research and write strategic funding applications relating to invasive species and their impact on ecosystems.

• Plan and coordinate the delivery of multiple projects from beginning to end, including tracking budgets, delivery of project objectives, working with partner organizations, completing final reports, etc.

• Participate in associated boards and committees related to invasive species, as required.

• Increase collaboration, partnerships, and educational opportunities for/with stakeholders, such as: the public, industry, conservation groups, Indigenous groups, and schools.

• Liaise with stakeholders, landowners, community groups, etc. to establish partnerships and assist in invasive species detection and management.

• Build ISCMs online presence to increase awareness of invasive species.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and project management skills

• Experience working with multiple partners on multi-jurisdictional projects/programs

• Experience with environmental or conservation work

• Knowledge of invasive species and the threats they pose to biodiversity

• Strong communication and writing skills

• Be able to work collaboratively in a group setting and independently

• Be comfortable public speaking, delivering presentations, and connecting with target audiences

• Have excellent organizational and time-management skills

• Experience participating in and/or coordinating community volunteer projects.

• Experience in safety and training volunteers and youth to take part in safety protocols.

• Experience inspiring youth/young adults and peers to take action.

• Experience working with online communication tools, or the willingness to learn.

• Able to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends) corresponding with youth.

• A positive and energetic attitude

• Must complete and submit a background check and have a valid drivers license.

Other relevant skills you may have:

• Experience with youth engagement

• Experience engaging youth in Indigenous communities.

• Experience with using technology to facilitate engagement.

• Experience with event coordination

• Fluent in French and/or other languages

Benefits

• Access to health benefits within three months of start date

• An opportunity to expand skills in natural resources sector with a nationally recognized nonprofit.

• Flexible work hours and ability to work from home.

• Career development training

Closing date for applications is June 23rd 2023, 5 pm EST.

Please submit your application by email in the form of a single PDF document including a resume and cover letter with the title of ‘Youth Engagement Coordinator’ in the subject line of the email to:

jobs@canadainvasives.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in working with the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, only those who are short-listed will be contacted.

The Canadian Council on Invasive Species and its Chapters are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, and age. We encourage those who self-identify as Indigenous, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ to apply.

We respectfully acknowledge that the Canadian Council on Invasive Species operates on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples, including the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, whose presence and stewardship of this land predates the arrival of settlers.

We recognize and honour the diverse histories, languages, cultures, and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous Peoples, and the ongoing impact of colonization, residential schools, and systemic oppression on their lives and communities.

We commit to learning from and working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to protect and restore the health of the land, waters, and ecosystems that sustain us all. We also acknowledge that invasive species are a threat to the ecological balance and biodiversity of this land, and that their management requires a holistic approach that respects the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples.