Our children’s future

River Heights

The truest test of environmental leadership isn’t just what is accomplished this year, but what endures for the next generation. That’s been the guiding principle of our government – what kind of Manitoba do we plan to leave behind for our children and grandchildren?

One of our government’s first actions on climate was announcing a historic 600 megawatts of wind power for Manitoba, created in partnership with Indigenous communities. This investment is a bold step towards economic reconciliation, and helps provide our growing economy with the renewable energy we need.

In Budget 2026, we’re making bus passes free for youth under 18. This makes life easier and lowers costs for families, but it’s also creating a new generation of transit users and taking cars off the road now, and into the future.

This month, we took another historic step – together with Indigenous leadership and the federal government, we announced plans to protect the entire Seal River Watershed in northern Manitoba. It’s an initiative all Manitobans can be proud of.

As the world looks to Churchill and the transformative economic opportunities there, it’s essential that we act now to protect ecosystems and land in the north.All together, the Seal River Watershed Protected Area will safeguard seven per cent of Manitoba, ensuring this pristine environment remains intact for future generations.

I’m proud of the efforts we’re taking to protect our natural environment in northern Manitoba, but I also hear from many in River Heights who want to help take care of our local environment as well.

That’s why my office has organized a community cleanup on May 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gloves, trash bags, grabbers and hot dogs will be provided, and all are welcome. I hope to see many of you there.

Taking meaningful action on the environment is about more than just local cleanups and protecting vast areas. It can also look like small changes to strengthen our existing environmental protections. This is another area where our government is making meaningful progress.

We’re continuing that work in the legislature this spring. Bill 18 – The Waste Reduction and Prevention Act, gives environment officers more power to hold polluters and waste managers accountable. Bill 37 will make it easier to prosecute environmental offenders and make information easier to access for Manitobans.

We have a duty to future generations to steward our environment responsibly, thinking about the world they’ll inherit as well as our needs today. I’m proud to be part of a government that is taking climate action on behalf of the next generation of Manitobans.