One of Manitoba’s most cherished parks is still not protected as government promised

The Manitoba government announced the biggest improvement in Whiteshell Provincial Park history this morning, with a wide array of intended public infrastructure upgrades. The Wilderness Committee is pleased to see attention and resources directed towards provincial parks, but the lack of protection for Whiteshell continues to be a major concern.  

“Easily the biggest improvement in Whiteshell Provincial Park history was the ban on industrial logging that finally occurred in 2009,” said Eric Reder, Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee. “Nearly half of Whiteshell--47%--is still at risk from mining and mineral exploration activity. Manitoba provincial parks need to be “improved” so that they are protected areas, like parks across Canada.”

Manitobans, when asked, have overwhelmingly supported more park protection, but the Manitoba government needs to be dragged towards proper protection for Whiteshell Park. Since 2009, Manitobans have been waiting to see some of the area around Meditation Lake protected. In fact, protection for these lands and waters in Whiteshell Park has been the subject of at least three government news releases--the latest in March of this year--but it still hasn’t happened.

“How can the government justify it taking four years to protect Whiteshell Park? Is it environmental negligence? Do we need to crowd the steps of the legislature for a week straight, as we did in 2008? Do we need to deliver another 23,000 opinion cards on park protection?” added Reder.

Improved public infrastructure in parks is needed, but long-term protection of this park is more important. The Wilderness Committee is continuing to call for a ban on all industrial activity in all provincial parks.

“Whiteshell Park represents our beautiful, functioning wilderness ecosystems--the healthy water and forests that make Manitoba a wonderful place to live. Our government is taking our parks for granted. We must permanently and completely protect our parks, or these shining examples of nature will be tarnished for future generations,” said Reder.