The state of Manitoba's environment is weighing heavily on people's minds, according to Vote Compass, as it's among the top three concerns listed by those who have taken CBC's interactive election engagement tool.

To that end, our final election debate this week focused on environmental issues, from the health of the province's lakes and rivers to the political parties' positions on climate change.

Candidates from the province's four major political parties squared off in a televised debate at CBC Manitoba's studios on Friday evening. Then, in a live online chat moderated by the CBC's Chris Glover and Donna Lee, the candidates took your questions.

The candidates were:

James Allum — NDP candidate for Fort Garry-Riverview.
Shannon Martin — Progressive Conservative candidate for Morris.
Dave Nickarz — Green Party candidate for Wolseley.
Kyra Wilson — Liberal candidate for Fort Richmond.

From the online forum chat:

Question for Wilson: Mining is allowed in provincial parks in Manitoba, something that is not allowed in many other jurisdictions. Logging is allowed at Duck Mountain Provincial Park, one of only two parks in Canada that allows it. The Wilderness Committee says allowing industrial development defeats the whole purpose of a provincial park which is meant to protect green spaces.
Will a Liberal government allow logging and mining in provincial parks?

Wilson: Liberals have been telling people that we want to include everyone that's affected by some of these issues, including communities near logging/mining areas, and determine if it's truly a good plan for Manitobans and people who are affected.

Read the full story here.

Photo: A clearcut in Duck Mountain Provincial Park (Eric Reder)