The Manitoba government is taking the next step toward implementing its climate and green plan, through the creation of an implementation office that will co-ordinate work across government.
“Manitoba leads the way in the fight against climate change,” Premier Brian Pallister said. “By establishing one government-wide office to advise and monitor our actions on this important issue, we will ensure that Manitoba remains the cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province.”
The implementation office will take a whole of government approach to addressing climate change in Manitoba and will report to a management committee of the clerk of executive council. It will:
- adopt leading practices and apply analysis to achieve the goals outlined in the Manitoba Climate and Green Plan within the four pillars of cleaner water, conservation of natural areas, effective steps to address climate change, and strengthening the economy;
- ensure projects and programs are delivered on time, on budget and with expected results; and
- work collaboratively to foster relationships with stakeholders, other jurisdictions and non-government organizations.
The office will be led by Kathleen Rich, assistant deputy minister, who comes to Manitoba with over 20 years of experience in climate-related policy and senior level management. The office will be composed of existing staff from across various government departments. By working within one organization, they will be better positioned to break down siloes, eliminate duplication and focus on the climate and green plan, the premier said.
In addition to conservation and climate adaptation measures funded through Conservation Trust projects, a number of projects developed by the climate office will be finalized in the coming months, the premier noted. These measures will be the result of scientific and economic analysis, stakeholder engagement and the advice of the Expert Advisory Council on the Climate and Green Plan, he added.
