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Province of Manitoba

Supporting climate change action in our home province

Given its abundance of clean energy resources and its policy commitment to further development of these resources, Manitoba is playing a leading role in efforts to mitigate climate change in Canada. Well-known for its historical commitment to hydroelectric power, in recent years the province has taken steps to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by increasing energy production from wind, geothermal and biofuels. By building on existing strengths and by recognizing and acting on new business opportunities, Manitoba's agriculture, forestry, transportation, building and manufacturing sectors will continue to capitalize on the province's proactive approach to climate change action. Manitoba has already established itself as a leader in the emerging low-carbon economy, in areas such as the development of geothermal energy, energy efficiency of buildings, agricultural carbon management, and public education and outreach about climate change.

Manitoba has also pursued its commitment to climate change mitigation beyond its provincial boundaries, through the promotion of a national east-west energy grid, exports of clean energy, and membership in regional efforts committed to establishing cap-and-trade systems, such as the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord and the Western Climate Initiative.

IISD is actively working with its partners in Manitoba to support long-term, real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the introduction of adaptive strategies that will reduce the province's vulnerability to current and anticipated climatic changes. The institute undertakes educational and outreach activities; provides expert advice at the government, corporate and community level, and supports the identification and promotion of emerging opportunities that will further strengthen sustainable development in the province. IISD has been providing ongoing expert advisory services to the province of Manitoba as it works to fully implement its climate change action plan, Beyond Kyoto.

Activities

• Supporting the province's Vehicle Standards Advisory Board (PDF - 1.5 MB)
  The board made recommendations regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the Manitoba transportation sector and issued its report on January 30, 2009.

• Manitoba Adaptation Day: Understanding Manitoba-focused Adaptation Activities, Research and Capacity – Workshop Report
  (PDF - 653 KB)
  Held in March 2009, this one-day workshop brought together experts from municipal and provincial governments, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to learn about projected provincial climatic impacts and share information about ongoing climate adaptation initiatives and research. The workshop identified research and action priorities for addressing adaptation within the province. It also identified barriers to implementation of adaptive policies and discussed how best to overcome these hurdles. A summary report on the workshop's outcomes was subsequently prepared and presented to the province.

• Providing analysis and advice
  IISD has worked with the province to support its involvement in the Western Climate Initiative and Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, providing expert advice and policy implementation support. It has also supported Manitoba's efforts to push for an effective Canadian national climate change strategy, including a federal regulatory approach to emission reduction. As well, IISD provides expert analysis to provincial policy-makers on the UNFCCC negotiations, sharing information on national and international policy developments, supporting provincial officials on the ground at the negotiations when required. This work provides useful context and detail in a rapidly shifting environment where up-to-date intelligence is especially critical in formulating policy responses.

• Engaging with Climate Change Connection
  IISD has been a steering committee member of Manitoba's climate change public education and outreach hub, Climate Change Connection (CCC), since its inception in 2002. CCC aims to build awareness and empower Manitobans to make the changes needed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and live more sustainable and climate-friendly lifestyles. Currently IISD is part of a multistakeholder advisory group assisting CCC in the development of a greenhouse gas reduction guide for Manitoban businesses. The guide helps companies evaluate potential regulatory issues, competitive effects and consumer risk exposure and determine practical responses to reduce risk and increase competitive advantage.

Publications

• Climate Change Impacts in Manitoba (PDF - 264 KB)
  In this 2007 IISD commentary, David Runnalls, president of IISD, looks at the implications of climate change for farming, the North, Lake Winnipeg and urban life in Manitoba, Canada.

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