Manitoba to help ensure continued operation of Experimental Lakes Area with long-term funding to IISD, freshwater research

The Manitoba government is providing the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) ongoing, secure funding as the organization takes over operation of the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), Premier Greg Selinger announced today. 

The new, more than $6 million, six-year agreement includes $900,000 to be dedicated to funding freshwater research and technology at the ELA.  "The ELA will be invaluable to helping us solve the complex issues surrounding the health of Lake Winnipeg and basin waterway challenges," said Selinger.  "Stable long-term funding is critical for the nationally and internationally important work that is conducted at this facility."The premier noted the government of Manitoba is the largest core funder of the IISD.  "The Manitoba government helped found our organization more than 20 years ago and without this ongoing support for our core programs, we wouldn't be able to continue the invaluable research at the Experimental Lakes Area," said IISD president Scott Vaughan.  "Our Winnipeg office is one of the things that sets us apart from other world-leading think tanks and fosters our innovative approach to policy research."The IISD is based in Winnipeg and has branches in Ottawa, New York City, Geneva and Bejing.  It uses scientific research to create and communicate innovative policy recommendations for decision-makers in government, business and civil society.  It has been internationally recognized for developing a sustainable management strategy for the Lake Winnipeg Basin.  The premier noted the IISD will also lead targeted public consultations on climate change beginning this fall.  Its findings will be used to develop a new provincial climate change plan, and will be based on detailed knowledge about where Manitoba's emissions are coming from and how various reduction mechanisms would affect Manitobans.  The consultations will be chaired by Vaughan, who is Canada's former commissioner of the environment and sustainable development.This work supports the implementation of TomorrowNow - Manitoba's Green Plan, the province's eight-year plan that supports environmental protection while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy, the premier said.  The premier noted the funding commitment builds on a variety of environmental partnerships with Ontario including working together to recognize and protect the global, cultural and natural importance of Pimachiowin Aki, the world's largest intact tract of boreal forest, through a UNESCO World Heritage designation. More information on TomorrowNow is available atwww.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/.