The Manitoba government is to be commended for a strong stance towards protecting our environment and the East Side Wilderness Area. On Tuesday, September 25, Manitoba Hydro announced they would be building Bipole III, their third major transmission line running from northern Manitoba, down the west side of the province rather than through the East Side Wilderness Area. In news interviews, Manitoba Hydro lamented that they couldn’t build down the East Side because the provincial government would not approve the plan.

The East Side Wilderness Area is a global treasure right here in Manitoba. It is the largest intact forest left in the northern hemisphere, and the second-largest intact forest left on the planet. This boreal region has been nominated as a United Nations World Heritage site because of its natural and cultural significance. Recently scientists from around the world asked that at least half of all remaining boreal forests in Canada be preserved. The boreal forest is the largest source of fresh water on earth, provides us with clean air, and helps regulate our climate.

Preventing a major hydro transmission line from bisecting this pristine boreal area is a positive action from the Manitoba government. Now we need the resources put in place so that permanent interconnected protected areas can be established on the East Side.