Critics Fear Manitoba’s New Water Quality Law May Result in Farming Ban

Critics claim a pending water quality bill in Manitoba is so sweeping, it could result in farmers being forced off their land.

The Water Protection Act is expected to become law next month, allowing the provincial cabinet to take virtually any action necessary to protect creeks, rivers and lakes.

Conservative MLA Jack Penner says the bill is worded so vaguely, it might possibly allow the government to ban farming in many areas. Penner has put forward amendments to tighten the bill's wording and hopes the government will adopt the amendments this week.

The province's largest farm lobby group also is concerned. Keystone Agricultural Producers has told the government it wants to be consulted before any restrictions under the new law are put in place.

Source: Canadian Press