Province of Manitoba

Supporting leadership on climate change

What's New in the Province of Manitoba?

Manitoba is well-placed to support Canadian and international efforts to mitigate climate change. Building on its historic commitment to the generation of hydro-electric energy, Manitoba has the potential to be a leader in the development of new energy sources from wind, geothermal and a variety of biofuels. Numerous opportunities also exist for the province's agriculture, forestry, building and manufacturing sectors through the development of new approaches and markets that build on existing strengths. Already Manitoba has established itself as a leader in the emerging low-carbon economy in areas such as the development of geothermal energy, promotion of energy efficient buildings, application of zero-till agriculture and creation of awareness by individuals, households and communities.

IISD is actively working with its partners in Manitoba to support long-term, real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the introduction of adaptive strategies that will reduce our home province's vulnerability to ongoing and future climatic changes. The institute undertakes educational and outreach activities; provides expert advice at the government, corporate and community level; and supports the identification and promotion of emerging opportunities that will further strengthen sustainable development in the province.

An example of IISD's work with the Manitoba Government is having served as Secretariat for the Task Force on Emissions Trading and the Manitoba Economy. The task force made recommendations regarding the economic and environmental opportunities for Manitoba relative to Canada's proposed domestic emissions trading system, and released its report in January 2004.

IISD is also engaged in work in Manitoba focused on reducing vulnerability to climate change. The project "Building Resilience on the Prairies," for instance, examined the resilience of communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to past climate stresses as a means of learning how to promote adaptive capacity and build the resilience of prairie communities to present climate change.

Affiliations and Partnerships