Members of Parliament James Bezan, Joyce Bateman, and Joy Smith have reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s commitment and actions in support of Lake Winnipeg on behalf of Leona Aglukkaq, minister of the environment, minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and minister for the Arctic Council.
Their announcement focused on more than $5 million in funding to 59 community stewardship projects that have improved the water quality of Lake Winnipeg as a part of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund.
“Our government is committed to protecting and restoring Lake Winnipeg to ensure that Manitoba residents have access to a watershed they rely on,” Aglukkaq said. “This stewardship funding is part of the $36 million we have invested into the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative, which promotes the lake’s long-term sustainability and reduces nutrient levels that lead to harmful algal blooms.”
The Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative was instituted in 2007 and has contributed $36 million toward the health of Lake Winnipeg through community stewardship projects, scientific research and monitoring, and trans-boundary management efforts. These projects have included wetland restoration, innovative wastewater treatment, new agricultural practices, and scientific research.
