News
Manitoba conservation minister rejects MPC solution

September 17, 2008, Winnipeg, Man.
– Manitoba’s conservation minister is rejecting a proposed compromise
amendment to Bill 17 that would ease a proposed ban on hog industry
development in much of eastern Manitoba.

September 17, 2008, Winnipeg, Man. – Manitoba’s conservation minister is rejecting a proposed compromise amendment to Bill 17 that would ease a proposed ban on hog industry development in much of eastern Manitoba.

Bill 17, which proposes a ban on new or expanded hog barn construction in southeastern Manitoba, the Red River Valley Special Management Zone and the Interlake, is expected to move to third reading and possible passage this fall.

Earlier this week, the Manitoba Pork Council proposed the Zero Percent Solution, replacing the moratorium with limits on hog manure nutrient application, a ban on winter spreading and requirements for incorporation of manure within 48 hours off application.

Conservation minister Stan Struthers remains convinced the moratorium is necessary.

“Their Zero Percent Solution contributes zero percent to solving the problem and clearly it's simply a way to gut Bill 17,” Struthers said.

Struthers noted all parties have agreed to move several bills forward, including Bill 17, by October 8.

He says there may be amendments that come forward but, within a month, we should have in place a higher level of protection for Manitoba’s water.