The Manitoba NDP is accusing the provincial government of dragging its feet on the Lake St. Martin outlet channels project.
A media release issued Nov. 17 said residents in the area are frustrated that the project “appeared to be abandoned by the Stefanson government.”
The release notes that ranchers were hit hard by the 2011 flood. With an apparent return to a wet cycle, flood risk is rising.
Read Also
Mazergroup’s Bob Mazer dies
Mazergroup’s Bob Mazer, who helped grow his family’s company into a string of farm equipment dealerships and the main dealer for New Holland machinery in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, died July 6 from cancer.
“Not only are hundreds of family homes and cattle operations at risk, but the potential for dozens of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity hang in the balance,” said NDP Infrastructure Critic Matt Wiebe.
[RELATED] Indigenous economic development fund announced around channel project
“Each spring, families and ranchers around Lake Manitoba and upstream face the possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods to flooding. Yet the premier’s throne speech failed to even mention it,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew in the same release.
“Brian Pallister announced his commitment five years ago, but PC disorganization and stubborn attitude mean Manitoba is nowhere close to even starting construction. It’s time the PCs rolled up their sleeves and got this thing done.”
In 2017, the provincial government announced a plan to build two diversion channels between Lake St. Martin and Lake Manitoba to prevent a repeat of 2011 and 2014 flood damage.
The NDP blames project delays on disputes former premier Brian Pallister had with the federal government over the Indigenous consultation process. Under Premier Heather Stefanson, the government has done little to move the file along, the NDP said.
“Two throne speeches have been presented under her leadership that say nothing about the channel.”
[RELATED] 2011 flood lawsuit settlement pending court OK
The Co-operator contacted the office of the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for comment. The emailed response from a spokesperson didn’t mention the project’s absence in consecutive throne speeches but it did say the government remains committed to completing the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels.
“The project represents an integral and critical component of Manitoba’s flood mitigation strategy. The Outlet Channels Project continues to advance through the environmental assessment process as the department works to respond to the additional information requests,” the statement said.
It also said the province remains committed to fulfilling its duty for Indigenous consultation before environmental approvals are received and construction begins.
“We are currently in phase two of its four-phase consultation and engagement process. This phase includes planning and implementing community-specific consultation processes and activities with all 39 Indigenous groups (First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Communities, and Indigenous organizations) impacted by the project.”
According to the statement, construction will begin once regulatory approvals are received.
