This spring’s Budget 2023 commitment of $650 million over 10 years for a national Freshwater Action Plan is significant – but it’s just the beginning of a sustained effort to protect Lake Winnipeg.
Last year, LWF members successfully called for renewed federal funding. The March 2023 budget announcement shows that our collective advocacy is making a difference. Thank you to everyone whose efforts made this success possible!
Now, we’re thanking Canada’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault for this new funding commitment. We’re also reminding him of the importance of...
The 2023 federal budget includes dedicated multi-year funding for Canada’s freshwater lakes and rivers as part of a new Freshwater Action Plan – though the total investment for Lake Winnipeg is still not clear.
A 10-year commitment is positive news, as multi-year funding will enable the development of a robust, evidence-based program to generate tangible results for...
To assist citizens in advocating for renewed federal funding for Lake Winnipeg in Budget 2023, we have created a postcard that can be mailed – no postage required – to the federal minister of Environment and Climate Change. This post has been modified since it was first published in April to include new information.
A little over six months later, the federal budget delivered only $19.6 million for a single year. It’s not clear how much – if any – of this funding will be available for...
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?
Update: The deadline for public feedback on the IJC’s proposed nutrient loading targets and concentration objectives has been extended until March 28, 2020.
The International Joint Commission (IJC) works to prevent and resolve transboundary water disputes, investigating issues and recommending solutions to the governments of Canada and the United States. Guided by the Boundary Waters Treaty, which was signed in 1909, it was established in recognition that each country is affected by the other’s actions in lake and river systems along the border.
The IJC is currently soliciting public feedback...
In December, shortly after shuffling his cabinet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued mandate letters to all federal ministers. Continuing a practice started by Trudeau in 2015, these letters have been released publicly and are available on the Office of the Prime Minister’s website.
Mandate letters outline the Prime Minister's expectations for each minister, including specific policy objectives which each minister is expected to accomplish.
The health of Lake Winnipeg is both a national priority and a cross-cutting file. Achieving meaningful positive change will require attention and...
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