Update: The federal budget was released on April 7 – and the freshwater funding announced within it is shockingly lower than the government’s election commitment. Our report card had assigned a B grade in anticipation of the promised renewal of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. That grade has been swiftly downgraded to an F. What does the future hold for regional water-protection initiatives across Canada? Read our Budget 2022 reaction to learn more.
Despite decades of government commitments, Lake Winnipeg’s health continues to decline.
In the leadup to Canada’s election on Sept. 20, the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective are reminding federal candidates that promises are not enough. It’s time for immediate action that generates measurable results.
WHAT WE’RE DOING:
Together, LWF and LWIC have released a plan for federal action:Five Things the Federal Government Must Do for Lake Winnipeg. This road map identifies specific, concrete actions achievable in less than five years to achieve real impact for...
As individuals and as a group, citizens have great power to influence change. Decision-makers take note when people speak up for water; individually and collectively, our voices matter. Using our voices is an effective tool to influence policy, encourage action and hold governments accountable.
Now is an important time for freshwater advocacy. LWF has been engaging with all levels of crown government to push for evidence-based solutions to reduce phosphorus loading across the watershed.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to – and how you can help us speak up for Lake Winnipeg.
Canada is a country defined by water – and improving the health of Lake Winnipeg is a well-established national priority, acknowledged through the policy priorities, mandate letters and throne speeches of successive federal governments.
But how do we move beyond good intentions and begin achieving meaningful results?
Today, the North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC) Project Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from both the city and the province tasked with implementing an interim phosphorus reduction plan to improve the health of Lake Winnipeg, released an updated plan.
LWF, along with our partners at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective (LWIC), released a joint statement in response.
In 2019, both governments committed to accelerate phosphorus reduction at the NEWPCC. We’re concerned that the...
Are you a full-time student looking for summer work before returning to school in the fall? The Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective (LWIC) is hiring!
The Social Media and Communications Coordinator will be responsible for supporting LWIC's public outreach and education, member communications, and event coordination. For more information about LWIC, please visit lwic.org.
This job is made possible by support from the Government of Canada funded this job through the CanadaSummer Jobs program. You must be aged between 15 and 30 and be legally entitled to work in Canada. International students...
A plan outlining next steps for both interim phosphorus reduction and full upgrades at Winnipeg’s North End sewage treatment plant was released today.
The plan was developed by a project steering committee for the North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC), which includes representatives from both the city and the province.
The NEWPCC is the largest of Winnipeg’s three wastewater treatment facilities and the single largest point source of phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg. Excess amounts of phosphorus in freshwater ecosystems drive the growth of potentially toxic algae. Currently, the NEWPCC...
Update: We reached out via email to Canada’s four main federal parties, asking them if they agree to these three commitments. (Note, we did not share the additional context provided here but we did share the links.)
The Conservative Party of Canada did not send us a response.
The New Democratic Party of Canada sent us this response.
Water connects us all. It is essential to life on our shared planet. It flows across our shared landscape – and its health is our shared responsibility.