MB Votes 2019: Will you commit to protecting the Lower Bird River according to the wishes of Sagkeeng First Nation whose territory these mining activities are occurring on?

Responses to environmental candidate survey for the 2019 Manitoba provincial election.

Full question: While the Upper Bird River in a protected area of Nopiming Provincial Park is Manitoba’s favourite canoe route, the Lower Bird River continues to be at risk from mining activities. Will you commit to protecting the Lower Bird River according to the wishes of Sagkeeng First Nation whose territory these mining activities are occurring on?

PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF MANITOBA

No response.

Manitoba NDP

The Manitoba NDP central office sent a response on behalf of all of their candidates.

Our platform commits to implementing the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We have committed to working with any and all First Nations communities before any resource project starts.

Manitoba Liberal Party

The Manitoba Liberal Party central office sent a response on behalf of most Liberal candidates. See exceptions below.

Manitoba Liberals believe that government action and policy that affects our indigenous communities should be led by those communities. The province should be an active partner in supporting the wishes of our first nations leadership regarding their territories and supporting environmental stewardship.

Dr. John Gerrard, Liberal Party, River Heights

I will certainly be a strong advocate for protecting the Lower Bird River.

Green Party of Manitoba

The Green Party of Manitoba central office sent a response on behalf of most of their candidates. See exceptions below.

All industrial activities in provincial parks will be phased out and eliminated, the only industry in parks should be tourism. In all cases throught the province consultations with all stakeholders including First Nations will take place in order to respect the wishes of those in the area and respect nature.

Liz Clayton, Green Party of Manitoba, Agassiz

We believe in consulting with all the stakeholders. We would respect the wishes of the people of Sagkeeng.

Martha Jo Willard, Green Party of Manitoba, Notre Dame

Sagkeeng FN has the knowledge base to protect the Lower Bird River. Scientific research repeatedly proves that Indigenous knowledge of the land is ideal for protecting our planet. It is on their territory and they must be allowed to set the rules as long as they hold this territory. They should not be forced to cede the territory for the convenience of mining companies. That is also a risk to our planet, even though it is only a relatively small area of the earth. Each area is equally important to the stability of our earth and each must be protected.

Janine Gibson, Green Party Manitoba, Steinbach

While the Upper Bird River in a protected area of Nopiming Provincial Park is Manitoba’s favourite canoe route, the Lower Bird River continues to be at risk from mining activities. I am committed to protecting the Lower Bird River according to the wishes of the Sagkeeng First Nations community.

Andrea Shalay, Green Party of Manitoba, Union Station

The province must commit to Reconcilliation with all Indigenous Nations by committing to meaningful consultation and collaboration. This is paramount when developing or protecting any of our natural resources.