What will the Task Force do?

The Manitoba Climate Change Task Force has been created to assist in the development of Manitoba's strategy on climate change. It has been asked to produce a report to the Manitoba government that will address and advise on the environmental challenges and economic opportunities associated with climate change.

The purpose of the Task Force is to:

• raise public awareness and develop consensus about what Manitoba actions can be taken on climate change;
• examine options in dealing with its consequences for our future environment, natural resources and economic development;
• consider the province's prospects for developing technology to mitigate and adapt to climate change;
• define a made-in-Manitoba approach; and
• produce recommendations for government action.

The Task Force will consider how Manitoba might more effectively lever funding from federal government and other sources for climate change related activities, particularly in supporting research, planning and projects. It will assess the economic development and employment opportunities associated with climate change, particularly in hydro, alternative fuels, and transportation equipment.

The work of the Task Force is intended to build on the issues raised in the January 2001 forum sponsored by the Clean Environment Commission. The report's findings and recommendations will be considered by the Government of Manitoba as its climate change action plan is developed for later this year.

The Task Force will invite public participation to obtain Manitobans' ideas on climate change and appropriate strategies. It will hold at least three consultation meetings, including Winnipeg, rural Manitoba and northern Manitoba. It will seek written and e-mail submissions from the public, and it will make special efforts to reach out to youth.

Task Force members will be supported by the resources of the Clean Environment Commission, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and by the involvement of Manitoba government staff from several departments and agencies.

The report will be completed and submitted to the Manitoba government by September.