The premier of Manitoba recently shuffled his cabinet and has changed department structure and staffing. Summary as follows:
- The Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources has become the Department of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures.
- The Honorable Minister Jamie Moses has been replaced by the Honorable Minister Ian Bushie.
- Deputy Minister Dana Rudy has been replaced by Deputy Minister Bruce Gray.
The Premier also sent down a new mandate to his Ministers and a summary of the issues most affecting hunters and anglers is below. To read the full mandate letter please click on the following link >> Mandate Letter
- Develop and implement natural resource laws and policies that unite Manitobans, recognizing everyone has a role to play in the responsible stewardship of the land.
- Explore ways to expand hunting opportunities for all Manitobans and support outfitters.
- Listen to Conservation Officers, Indigenous Land Guardians, and the communities they serve, and work with them to improve respect, relationships, and workplace culture in the spirit of reconciliation.
- Take new steps to support commercial fishers in Manitoba.
- Support the forestry industry, working with Indigenous nations and industry to establish good relationships that advance economic reconciliation, protect wildlife and the environment, and grow the economy.
- Advance economic reconciliation by partnering with new and existing Indigenous developments and pursuing future opportunities with Indigenous communities through the Indigenous Economic Development fund.
- Work with Indigenous nations and industry to protect heritage resources and ensure the permitting process is efficient.
- Work with Indigenous communities, hunters, anglers and outfitters to establish protected areas that safeguard our natural resources and allow Manitobans to enjoy hunting, fishing and recreation in other areas of the province.
- Work with Indigenous communities on the goal of protecting 30% of Manitoba’s diverse landscapes by 2030.
The MWF would like to congratulate the Honorable Minister Bushie and his staff on their new appointments. We are also pleased to see the new Department has a renewed focus on Natural Resources and is closer to the stand-alone department like we had in years prior. We are, however, concerned that the new mandate lacks specific details and looks to exclude licensed hunters and anglers from crown land that we currently have access to. We look forward to meeting with the Minister to express our concerns. We are hopeful these new changes reflect a renewed priority for the provincial government to work cooperatively with all Manitobans on the sustainable use and protection of our province’s natural resources.
