On Tuesday the province announced that it was introducing legislation that would strengthen surface water management.

This would include the protection of wetlands, setting nutrient targets to improve water quality, and enhancing inspection and enforcement efforts including greater fines for illegal drainage.

“We are fundamentally changing the way we protect wetlands and are taking a fresh approach to ensure clear water for future generations right across the province,” said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff. “Every action has a consequence and we need to be sure we continue to do the right thing for lakes and rivers.  These waterways are critical for the future of Manitoba and we have a responsibility to ensure these great lakes are protected for our children and grandchildren.”

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) was one of the groups that had input into the matter.

KAP President Dan Mazier says the proposed bill will prove that farmers are responsible when it comes to water management.

"We always have been doing our fair share, I think this is more a way of formalizing it and proving that we are doing our fair share," he said. ""I keep on telling all the regulators that producers don't put on more fertilizer than they need, it's just a waste of money"

The province said that proposed bill would support a number of lake-friendly initiatives that would significantly advance efforts to protect Manitoba lakes, rivers and wetlands. The minister noted it would amend five provincial statutes including the Water Rights Act, the Water Protection Act, the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Act, the Planning Act and the Conservation Districts Act (renamed Watershed Districts Act).

"The emphasis from what we saw was the ability for farmers to maintain their drains more easily," said Mazier. "Instead of having an inspector come out to maintain your drain or manage your surface water on your fields, you'll be able to just basically do your own self-regulation or self-inspection, clean them out yourself and just register that with the province."

The strategy supports TomorrowNow - Manitoba's Green Plan, and Manitoba's forthcoming climate change strategy, which will recognize the importance of wetlands in the province.