Protecting Manitoba’s Land & Rights: What You Need to Know. Manitobans are waking up to the critical battle over land, conservation policies, and government overreach. On February 20, 2025, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) hosted a highly charged and well-attended meeting at the Arborg-Bifrost Community Centre, where nearly 300 concerned citizens, political representatives, and conservation experts gathered to discuss the future of our land and hunting rights.
The stakes are high. Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas (IPCA), restrictive land policies, firearm legislation, and the controversial Fisher River Conservation Initiative are all shaping the way Manitoba’s land and resources are managed—but who really benefits from these changes?
This meeting brought together:
✅ Political representatives, including MP James Bezan, MLA Derek Johnson, and local municipal leaders
✅ Leading conservation experts, including Dennis Schindler, Rob Olson, and Carly Deacon
✅ Concerned citizens, hunters, anglers, trappers, farmers, and Indigenous leaders
💡 Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
🔹 A growing push for local control over conservation policies and opposition to federal and international agendas
🔹 A unanimous rejection of the Fisher River Conservation Initiative as currently presented
🔹 Deep concerns over government-backed conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited and CPAWS, and their alignment with global policies such as the UN’s 30x30 Agenda
🔹 Calls for stronger protections of public access to Crown land, with opposition to handing land over to government-controlled IPCAs
🔹 An urgent demand for transparency and accountability regarding conservation efforts that impact landowners, hunters, and rural communities
🚨 What’s Next?This meeting was not just about discussion—it was about action. Manitobans are mobilizing to defend their land, their way of life, and their right to be heard.
Now, read the full meeting report, for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, below to see what happened, what was said, and what YOU can do to get involved. 👇
Manitoba Wildlife Federation Meeting Report
Arborg-Bifrost Community Centre
February 20, 2025 | 7:00 P.M.
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) hosted a critical meeting at the Arborg-Bifrost Community Centre, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss conservation efforts, land management, and legislative impacts. The meeting was chaired by Dennis Smith of the Arborg Rod & Gun Club and featured presentations from Dennis Schindler, Senior Land Conservation Specialist; Rob Olson, Scientific Advisor; and Carly Deacon, Managing Director.
In attendance were MP James Bezan, MLA Derek Johnson, Arborg Mayor Peter Dueck, Riverton-Bifrost Reeve Brian Johnson, and the Keystone Party of Manitoba, Interlake-Gimli Constituency Association was represented by candidate Larry Brandt, president Ed Lewis, secretary Deb Mason, Jim Mason, Jack Reimer, Diane Johnson and Lyndon Dueck, further emphasizing the importance of the topics discussed.
MWF had requested a seating capacity of 300 and nearly all chairs were filled.Â
MWF, which represents 14,000 members from diverse backgrounds—including hunters, anglers, trappers, outfitters, farmers, ranchers, and Indigenous communities—began the meeting with a strong acknowledgment of Chief David Crate and the leadership of Fisher River Cree Nation, recognizing their positive intentions regarding conservation initiatives.
Key Discussion Points
Conservation Initiative & Land ManagementThe proposed Fisher River Conservation Initiative was discussed at length, with maps presented to illustrate the affected areas. The MWF strongly advocated for a shared resource management approach, emphasizing the stewardship and responsibility landowners already exhibit over their properties. The presence of two member clubs—Fisher Game & Fish and Arborg Rod & Gun—within the proposed area was noted.
Opposition to Night Hunting & Firearms LegislationMWF reiterated its call for a complete ban on night hunting across Manitoba. The implications of Firearm Bill C-71 were also explained, along with the potential impacts of Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas (IPCA) and the involvement of federal agencies such as Ducks Unlimited, CPAWS, and Parks Canada.
Crown Land & Indigenous OwnershipThe meeting addressed concerns regarding Crown land and its management. MWF underscored that Crown land belongs to all Manitobans and should remain accessible to the public, opposing the establishment of IPCAs. Attendees were informed that approximately 50,000 km²—equivalent to 8% of Manitoba—is under temporary protection, a significant portion comparable to the size of Nova Scotia.
Ecological Corridors & Agricultural ImpactsThe meeting also covered the establishment of ecological corridors by Parks Canada and the potential consequences for private and Crown lands. Farmers and landowners expressed concerns about vague language in policy documents, particularly where sustainable practices had to align with corridor goals and objectives. MWF opposed these corridors, citing a lack of engagement with local stakeholders before policy announcements.
CPAWS & UN 30x30 AgendaCPAWS’ alignment with the UN’s 30x30 agenda and its support for federally and provincially driven conservation efforts was met with skepticism. MWF firmly opposed CPAWS’ proposals, noting the increasing mistrust between conservation groups and local stakeholders due to perceived overreach in land protection measures.
Political Engagement & Public SentimentQuestions were directed at MP James Bezan, including a request for a commitment to withdraw Canada from the UN. While this question was raised twice, no definitive commitment was made. As the meeting concluded, a show-of-hands vote was taken, and it was unanimously noted that no one in attendance supported the Fisher River Conservation Initiative as presented.
Conclusion
The MWF meeting in Arborg underscored widespread concerns about conservation policies, land management, and government engagement. Attendees emphasized the importance of local stewardship and responsible land use while rejecting policies that they felt imposed unnecessary restrictions on private and Crown lands. Moving forward, MWF and local stakeholders will continue to advocate for policies that balance conservation with public access and economic sustainability.
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