Leger poll confirms Manitobans overwhelmingly want protected spaces to remain open to all Canadians and managed by the provincial government
A poll conducted by Leger last week allowed a broad spectrum of Manitobans to weigh in on how they want protected areas to be managed. Respondents were a balanced mix of genders, education, and ethnicities across Manitoba from ages 18-65. Over 54% identified themselves as never hunted or fished. The key findings were:
- Nine out of every ten Manitobans feel that parks and protected areas should be open for the public to visit regardless of the location.
- Manitobans overwhelmingly prefer to have Manitoba Parks controlling access and management to parks and protected areas in Manitoba.
- Roughly two thirds (64%) feel most comfortable with the provincial government (Manitoba Parks) controlling access to parks and protected areas and 62% trust them more than other governing bodies or organizations.
- Only 15% feel comfortable and fewer than two in ten (12%) trust the federal government (Parks Canada) controlling access to parks and protected areas.
- Manitobans also expressed their priorities on the primary reasons for setting land aside for parks and protected areas:
- 92% support protecting areas for recreational camping and hiking opportunities,
- 88% support preserving natural landscapes to fight climate change, and
- 87% want lands conserved to sustainably manage wildlife and fish populations to support recreational hunting and fishing.
The MWF believes these findings strongly reflect and align with the voices of over 3,000 Manitobans who participated in our town hall meetings. We urge the provincial government to develop a uniquely Made in Manitoba solution for managing proposed protected areas and parks in the province. Manitobans clearly want parks and protected areas to remain under provincial control – managed inclusively and kept open for the outdoor activities that enrich the lives of all Manitobans.
The Leger poll surveyed 807 Manitobans between February 9-13th, 2026 and the results are accurate to within a margin of error no greater than ±3.5% (19 times out of 20).
