The $18 million Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative is resulting in positive projects across the Lake Winnipeg Basin.

With countless projects funded, and more to come, this money is going to scientists, researchers and community groups who are working hard on solutions to clean up Lake Winnipeg.

As the Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, I am proud that our Government is providing these landmark investments for concrete on-the-ground projects to reduce algae blooms and continue to study the Lake.

This has included innovative projects including improved riparian zone management, passive filters for municipal lagoons, research to identify and manage nutrient sources and labelling of ‘lake friendly’ products.

These are all positive steps forward not only to start cleaning up Lake Winnipeg, but develop a scientific understanding that will help us continue to do so in the future.

Those who would seek to criticize this approach are taking us backward, not forward.

Manitobans and Canadians have heard this before; for over 13 years, the Liberals promised millions with little accomplished. Today, Jack Layton and the NDP have voted against every bit of funding currently provided under the $18 million Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative.

Manitobans and Canadians expect more from their leaders, and our Government will continue to work towards funding these projects that are a positive step forward to cleaning up Lake Winnipeg.

For those looking for additional information, descriptions of projects and distribution of funding is posted at the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative online at http://www.ec.gc.ca/doc/eau-water/winnipeg_e.html.

James Bezan, MP

Selkirk-Interlake, Manitoba