New water strategy in Manitoba to focus more on conservation, Indigenous inclusion

The Manitoba government has released a new water strategy for the first time in 19 years — one that focuses more on conservation and Indigenous involvement.

Premier Heather Stefanson says with a changing climate and a growing population, Manitoba has to take new steps to protect water resources and ecosystems.

The strategy is a general document that outlines guiding principles and details are expected in the new year with a followup report.

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Unlike the old strategy, the new one places more emphasis on demand-side management.

It floats the idea of new water pricing structures to help control demand, but offers no specifics.

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The document also offers rainwater capture as a way to help conservation, and says meaningful roles will be established for Indigenous people in water management.