9 August 2023, 8:15am EDT

Manitoba’s Misguided “Critical Minerals Strategy” Sparks Open Letter, Demand for Answers

Manitoba Mining-Energy Transition
Source:
MiningWatch Canada – Wilderness Committee – Boreal Action Project – Camp Morning Star – Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition – Manitoba Eco-Network – Our Line in the Sand

Groups challenge fundamentally flawed document with list of questions government must answer on transparency, local communities, and the environment.

(Winnipeg/Treaty 1 Territory and Homeland of the Métis Nation) Multiple oversights in the development of the Manitoba government’s new Critical Minerals Strategy have forced seven organizations to release an open letter and series of questions, urging a halt in implementing the Strategy until answers have been provided and proper public consultation has taken place. The open letter explains that while the Strategy is entitled “Driving Sustainable Growth”, the Strategy makes no mention of the impact mineral exploration and mining activities have on the environment, while also containing outdated processes for Indigenous engagement and being produced without public input.

“Manitoba’s Strategy does not address the need to mitigate and regulate the negative environmental impacts of mining activities,” notes Jamie Kneen, MiningWatch Canada spokesperson. “Measures need to be included to prevent mining disasters and better protect the health of communities and the environment.”

Heather Fast, Policy Advocacy Director of the Manitoba Eco-Network explains, “By failing to consider the full range of public interests (including environmental protection and public health), the Province has ended up with a very limited Strategy. The public needs more details and an opportunity to contribute to the development of an expanded Strategy.”

“Everyone should be concerned about the erosion of environmental human rights and Section 35 Indigenous Rights this Strategy seems to signal,” suggests Mary Jane McCarron from Camp Morning Star. “Enough is enough. Prosperity and partnerships in the mining sector can only move forward with more inclusion in the form of full UNDRIP implementation and meaningful public engagement, including more public hearings.”

Eric Reder, Wilderness and Water Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee: “Simply put, Manitobans should not be fooled into thinking this strategy reflects the best interests of Manitobans. Fending off ecological disasters, preventing climate change, and avoiding costly mine cleanups should be central to any strategy, but you won’t find any of that. The Critical Minerals Strategy is a showpiece for industry, a list of public money thrown at speculating mining profiteers without care for community or ecology.”

Participating organizations:

  • MiningWatch Canada
  • Wilderness Committee
  • Boreal Action Project
  • Camp Morning Star
  • Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition
  • Manitoba Eco-Network
  • Our Line in the Sand

The full letter is attached.

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