The Manitoba government is putting up a quarter-million dollars to look at setting up a protected area in the waters of western Hudson Bay.
The money is to examine the possibility of setting up a national marine conservation area, designated by the federal government, that would join five existing ones across the country including in Lake Superior.
Oceans North, a non-profit environmental group, says western Hudson Bay is home to about one-quarter of the world’s beluga whale population.
Ron Thiessen of the Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society says the province’s commitment is a huge step forward.
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“We’re hopeful this announcement finally clears the path for the federal government to launch the process of working with regional communities to protect the belugas, polar bears, and the birds that make Churchill a world famous destination.”
James Beddome of the Manitoba Eco-Network is pleased to see the funding, but says in the grand scheme of things, it’s a small investment.
“If the Manitoban and Canadian governments are serious about protecting 30 percent of lands by 2030 (as they have both promised to do) we need much more leadership and investment,” Beddome said. “Only around 11 percent of Manitoba’s lands are protected as present. There is much work to do to protect a further 19 percent in the next four years.
The region may also be home to a pipeline and terminal near the town of Churchill, which Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has raised as a possibility to boost international trade and the economy.
Kinew says the environment can be protected at the same time as the economy can be grown.
The federal government has promised to establish 10 new marine and four new freshwater conservation areas by 2030.
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