Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture says the response so far from agriculture to the provincial government’s “Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan” has been positive.
Last month Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister unveiled the province’s proposed Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan and during yesterday’s speech from the throne, Lieutenant-Governor Janice Filmon, indicated steps will be taken this session to begin implementing that plan.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler, speaking to reporter’s following the Throne Speech, noted the province continues to invite public feedback on the proposed plan.
Actually we’ve had a great feedback from Manitobans right across the province. In fact this morning, under KAP’s leadership they brought in a number of farm organizations. I believe it was like 27 that was in the legislative building this morning in order to be able to provide their feedback, not to just Manitobans but to government as well on what that approach should look like.
Of course you’re very much aware of the website. It’s called manitobaclimategreenplan.ca and we’re continuing to hear from Manitobans. We want to make sure that we get it right. If we don’t we know what we’re going to get. We’re going to get the Trudeau plan so we’re wanting to make sure that we have the right information for us to make those good decisions and have buy in. We’ve had over two thousand submissions so far and Minister Squires has had several in person consultations as well so we’re pleased to work with her department in order to make sure we hear from Manitobans.
~ Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture Manitoba
Eichler acknowledges, while agriculture has applauded exemptions contained in the plan for marked fuels used in agricultural production, there have been concerns expressed over the lack of reference in the plan to fuels used for space heating of agricultural buildings.
He says, while no decisions have made, the issue is certainly part of the dialogue.
