Manitoba Government Celebrates Earth Day

Press Release

April 22, 2026

The Manitoba government is celebrating Earth Day this year by announcing $770,000 for two Manitoba-based climate organizations and a rural transportation expansion, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today at the Manitoba Legislative Building during a celebratory event.

“We know the choices we make today will shape the Manitoba we leave behind for our children and grandchildren, and we encourage all Manitobans to challenge the status quo and be a catalyst for change,” said Moyes. “Earth Day is an opportunity to be bold and think big for the climate and the planet, to pause and reflect on the responsibility we share to protect the land, water and air we rely on, and on the progress we can make when we work together.”

Earth Day 2026’s theme is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ and recognizes that every single action counts and every voice matters, because environmental stewardship is sustained by the daily decisions of individuals and communities worldwide, the minister noted.

The Manitoba government will provide $400,000 to support planning and early implementation activities for the Southeast Regional Transportation Initiative (SERTi). The SERTi project, led by Eco-West Canada, will serve approximately 80,000 residents in southeastern Manitoba by expanding electric vehicle-charging infrastructure and developing low-carbon mobility options across Buffalo Point First Nation and 11 municipalities including the Town of Ste. Anne and the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys.

The SERTi project aligns with Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero and Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan by reducing transportation-related emissions and supporting the transition to affordable, low-carbon transportation, the minister noted.

“Earth Day is a reminder that the choices we make today shape the communities we live in tomorrow,” said Dany Robidoux, executive director, Eco-West Canada. “Through the SERTi, we’re helping rural Manitoba take meaningful steps toward cleaner, more connected mobility. By investing in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and active transportation, this project supports both environmental stewardship and community resilience. We’re proud to partner with the Manitoba government to turn practical climate solutions into reality across southeastern Manitoba. This is how we build a more sustainable future together.”

The Manitoba government will also provide $200,000 to the University of Winnipeg’s Prairie Climate Centre, a Manitoba-based centre of climate excellence that provides scientific, technical, research and communications support to improve access to climate information, data and knowledge.

“Access to clear, credible climate information is essential for effective decision-making,” said Danny Blair, co-director and co-founder, Prairie Climate Centre. “This investment in the Prairie Climate Centre helps ensure that information is available where and when it’s needed in Manitoba.”

Additionally, the Manitoba government will invest $170,000 annually for the next three years in ClimateWest, a regional hub for climate services in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. ClimateWest provides access to regionally relevant climate information and the support to use it effectively in planning and decision-making. The organization exemplifies how networking, communication and sharing of best practices can advance climate preparedness on the landscape building safe climate-ready communities.

The Manitoba government is also appointing new members to the Youth Advisory Council to strengthen youth engagement in climate and sustainability initiatives provincewide, the minister noted.

“Young Manitobans are already contributing to conversations about climate change and sustainability, and it is important that their perspectives are reflected in the decisions we make,” said Moyes. “This council represents the next generation of environmental leadership and creates a space for youth to share their ideas and help shape Manitoba’s future.”

This year’s council, chaired by Andrea Sutherland, includes 13 members aged 16 to 28, from urban and rural communities across Manitoba. They were selected through a competitive intake process based on their lived experience, community involvement and knowledge of environmental issues, with backgrounds in fields such as environmental science, policy, engineering and community engagement.

Budget 2026 invests in a wide spectrum of initiatives that align with the Manitoba government’s ongoing commitment to build a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations, the minister noted, adding this practical, inclusive and Manitoba-made approach includes:

• extending the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and expanding charging stations throughout the province,
• providing free transit for children and youth,
• advancing next steps to protect the Seal River Watershed,
• assessing the feasibility of a National Marine Conservation Area in western Hudson Bay,
• building 600 megawatts of new wind generation,
• exploring innovative solutions to protect Lake Winnipeg,
• allocating $10 million to help families install energy-efficient heat pumps, and
• investing in climate adaptation and emergency preparedness.

To learn more about Earth Day, visit https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2026/.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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