FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2024
Federal government assessment recognizes Outlet Channels Project will cause significant adverse environmental effects
Interlake First Nations are pleased the Minister of Environment and Climate Change agrees with their assessment of the Project
Treaty Two Territory – Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) welcomes Minister Guilbeault’s decision that found that the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on Indigenous Peoples, even after considering mitigation measures.
“It is important that the Government of Manitoba’s Water Management Strategy takes our status as important rights holders into consideration while pragmatically moving forward on projects profoundly impacting our communities,” said IRTC Chair, Chief Cornell McLean. “We’re glad the federal government’s environmental assessment recognized the long-term cumulative effects on water quality, quantity, and access for future generations.”
The Hon. Steven Guilbeault’s, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, decision was made under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. Unfortunately, the previous PC government process failed and did not meaningfully include First Nations or address their concerns. With the newly elected NDP government, IRTC is hopeful the government will adopt a different approach with this process based on the government signalling a desire to reset their relationship with First Nations communities.
“The recent decision by the federal government reflects Premier Kinew’s vision for a future where flood management decisions are made in a manner that complies with modern expectations of Indigenous partnership and consent over infrastructure that will severely affect our communities and our way of life,” added IRTC CEO Karl Zadnik. “We’re hopeful this provides another opportunity for the government to review the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project and assess how to proceed in a manner that is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).”
About the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council:
The Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) consists of a partnership of seven Manitoba Interlake communities working together to advance the collective well-being of their members.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karl Zadnik, CEO
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council
[email protected]
