Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

In the News

See below for news coverage about CPAWS Manitoba.


March 4 2023 | The Narwhal / Winnipeg Free Press / Brandon Sun
Manitoba’s threatened woodland caribou are finally getting much-needed protections
Manitoba’s herd of iconic boreal woodland caribou are a step closer to having their population—and habitat—protected. The federal & provincial governments signed an agreement re-affirming their commitment to protecting and recovering the threatened population. The story was shared in The Narwhal, Wpg Free Press, Brandon Sun
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March 1 2023 | 680 CJOB
Discussing the protections needed for Manitoba's threatened woodland caribou
CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen is interviewed by 680 CJOB about the importance of protecting habitat crucial to the province's threatened woodland caribou. 
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Feb 9, 2023 | Winnipeg free Press
Get proactive to protect belugas
It's the time to establish a safe harbour for still-healthy populations of  northern marine mammals, say stakeholders, before they’re imperilled by oncoming impacts of climate change and human-driven activity. View the two page spread below.
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Feb 8, 2023 | The Narwhal
Manitoba’s Arctic coast is home to seals, polar bears and 60,000 belugas. Here’s Canada’s chance to protect it
Conservation advocates are pushing the federal government to protect a huge swath of Western Hudson Bay, an area important to polar bears and 60,000 beluga whales. Read more about the initiative in The Narwhal's article below. 
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Dec 24, 2022 | WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
We Must Act Now on Biodiversity Protection: Op-Ed
This opinion piece, written by CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen, was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2022. Thiessen discusses the urgency needed to protect global biodiversity. 
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Dec 15, 2022 | The Narwhal
The last undammed major river in Manitoba is one step closer to protection
After years of pushing for an Indigenous protected area, the Seal River Watershed Alliance will work with the Canadian and Manitoba governments to do a feasibility study — a big step towards recognition.
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Dec 6, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Indigenous leadership key to conservation efforts: Op-ed

This opinion piece, written by CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen, was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 6, 2022. Thiessen discusses global species loss and the role we can play to save them. 

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Dec 5, 2022 | CBC News
How Indigenous-led conservation could help Canada meet its land and water protection targets

This CBC News long read highlights the Seal River Watershed Alliance and a roadmap report published by CPAWS showing why Indigenous-led conservation is key to hitting Canada's conservation target of protecting 30% by 2030.

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Dec 3, 2022 | Radio-Canada
Hikers had explanations in French at the Bois-des-Esprits forest on Saturday

For one of the CPAWS Manitoba Nature Club hikes, we partnered with Sports en Français, an organization that contributes to the development of Manitoba’s Francophone community through sport and physical activity in French.

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Nov 17, 2022 | the narwhal
Indigenous guardian program brings hope, sovereignty to Manitoba’s last undammed river 

A new Indigenous guardian program in the 50,000-square-kilometre Seal River Watershed in northern Manitoba is the next step toward nearly doubling protected areas in the province.

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Nov 1, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Polar bears need our protection: Op-ed

This opinion piece, written by CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen, was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 1, 2022. In it, Thiessen discusses the importance of our majestic polar bears, and how we can protect them. 

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Sept 25, 2022 | WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Advocate Seeks National Designation for Urban Forest

If Ron Thiessen has his way, the Assiniboine Forest will someday become Winnipeg’s first national urban park, a designation that would permanently protect it from residential and commercial development. But first, he must get the City of Winnipeg and the federal government on board.

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Sept 24, 2022 | CBC News
Wilderness Group Urges Winnipeg Mayoral Candidates to Push for Assiniboine Forest National Urban Park Status

CPAWS Manitoba was joined by 11 mayoral and city councillors candidates at Assiniboine Forest Saturday for a press conference about making the forest a national urban park.

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Sept 24, 2022 | CTV Winnipeg News
Mayoral candidates speak on potential of Assiniboine Forest becoming a national urban park

During a CPAWS Manitoba news conference on Saturday, mayoral and city councillor candidates weigh in on making the Assiniboine Forest a national urban park. 

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Sept 24, 2022 | Global News
CPAWS Manitoba urges mayoral candidates to place protections on Assiniboine Forest

CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen was joined by mayoral and city councillor candidates and media at Assiniboine Forest Saturday.

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september 12, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Letter to the Editor: Indigenous effort appreciated

CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen's letter to the Editor on September 12, 2022. 

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July 19, 2022 | CTV Morning News
CPAWS Hosting Evening Forest Bathing and Mindfulness Workshop

CPAWS Environmental Educator, Avery Kash joined CTV Morning News to discuss the Evening Forest Bathing and Mindfulness Workshop in Assiniboine Park on August 11. 

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July 19, 2022 | CTV Morning News
Summer Activities for All Through The CPAWS Nature Club

CPAWS Environmental Educator, Avery Kash joined CTV Morning News to discuss the many outdoor activities designed to get Manitobans to reconnect with nature.

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July 19, 2022 | CTV Morning News
Nature Club Activities Hosted by CPAWS Across Manitoba

CPAWS Manitoba is offering group hikes, yoga classes, mindfulness meditations, and other lessons and classes throughout the summer. Director of Communications and Public Programs, Mira Oberman and Environmental Educator, Avery Kash joined CTV Morning News to discuss.

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July 19, 2022 | CTV Morning News
Mission of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in Manitoba

CPAWS Manitoba's Director of Communications and Public Programs, Mira Oberman discusses the mission of the not-for-profit on CTV Morning News.

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June 13, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Letter to the Editor: Protect Assiniboine Forest

CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen's letter to the Editor on June 13, 2022. 

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May 17, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Letter to the Editor: For peat’s sake
CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen's letter to the Editor on May 17, 2022. 
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May 3, 2022 | City of Selkirk
Selkirk’s Camp Awesome Connects Kids with Nature

The City of Selkirk worked with us to develop Camp Awesome’s activities, placing a focus on outdoor learning and strengthening the relationship between camp participants and the natural world. Read Selkirk’s news release to learn more.

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April 11, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Letter to the Editor: More camping spots needed

CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen's letter to the Editor on May 17, 2022. 

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January 24, 2022 | CBC RADIO - Up to speed
Polar Bear Maternity Dens Disappearing

Find out why Manitoba's polar bear maternity dens need protection and what you can do to help in this CBC Manitoba radio interview with CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen.

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January 24, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Polar Bear Maternity Dens at Risk in Manitoba

Manitoba has lost nearly a third of its polar bears in the past 30 years. We will lose even more as the ice continues to retreat in Hudson Bay. CPAWS Manitoba is working to protect the lands where polar bear mothers raise their cubs. 

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January 4, 2022 | Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba Must Preserve Its Ocean Ecosystem

Manitoba must embrace its identity as an ocean province and take steps to protect and conserve our threatened marine habitat.

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December 16, 2021 | Radio-Canada
Webinar on Protecting Injured Wildlife

In this interview, we talk about the CPAWS Manitoba webinar on how to be a good neighbour to nature featuring Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre and our upcoming winter activities like group hikes.

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December 16, 2021 | Beerly Standing Podcast
Review of CPAWS Manitoba and Torque's Polar Beer

CPAWS Manitoba and Torque Brewing teamed up to create Polar Beer, an American pale ale brewed with Manitoba spruce tips. The hosts of Beerly Standing review Polar Beer starting at 35:30 on episode 109.

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December 9, 2021 | Radio-Canada
A Hike in French at La Barrière Park

For one of the CPAWS Manitoba Nature Club hikes, we partnered with Directorat de l'activité sportive du Manitoba, an organization that contributes to the development of Manitoba’s Francophone community through sport and physical activity in French.

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December 2, 2021 | Winnipeg Free Press
Tories Pursue Private Partnerships for Parks: Document

A document shows the government was mulling a private model for parks months before it finalized a 21-year lease with a businessman to operate St. Ambroise Beach Provincial Park.

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November 20, 2021 | CBC
Hit the Trail with Some New Friends

If you want to hike but you don't want to go alone, our free group hikes are a great way to help you hit the trail.

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November 20, 2021 | Winnipeg Free Press
A Feel-Good Bundle of New Brews

We partnered with Torque Brewing to create Polar Beer, a seasonal American pale ale made with Cascade and Simcoe hops as well as Manitoba spruce tips.

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November 19, 2021 | CBC
How Has the Pandemic Affected Avian Land Use?

Ahead of our webinar on the topic, Dr. Michael Schrimpf spoke to Marcy Markusa of Information Radio about how North American birds responded to reduced human activity during COVID-19.

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November 19, 2021 | National Observer
200 Nature Groups Urge Trudeau to 'Get it Right'

Two hundred nature groups are urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to "get it right" when it comes to climate change and biodiversity loss, and CPAWS is one of them.

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November 5, 2021 | CBC
Rare and Endangered Plants in Manitoba

Dr. Diana Bizecki Robson, Curator of Botany at The Manitoba Museum, led a webinar focused on endangered plants in Manitoba and spoke with CBC Manitoba about it.

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October 18, 2021 | Winnipeg Free Press
Help Protect Polar Bear Habitats

The polar bear has been recognized as an official emblem of Manitoba, and in this letter to the editor, CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen stresses the importance of protecting polar bear habitats.

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October 8, 2021 | Global News
Manitoba to Officially Recognize Polar Bear as Official Emblem

Manitoba introduced legislation to add the polar bear as an official emblem. CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen says he hopes the designation will improve conservation efforts for polar bears, which are deemed as threatened in our province.

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September 30, 2021 | Express weekly news
Opinions Needed to Conserve East Interlake Region

With the help of CPAWS Manitoba, Peguis First Nation, and several Interlake commu­nities, the Fisher River Cree Nation Conservation Areas Initiative aims to protect the health of the natural land­scape while creating sustainable eco­nomic opportunities.

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September 16, 2021 | The Uniter
See You There: Live Events in Manitoba

The University of Winnipeg newspaper featured the CPAWS Manitoba nature workshops in an article highlighting the return of live events in Manitoba.

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June 29, 2021 | Radio-canada
Free CPAWS Manitoba Webinars

The CPAWS Manitoba Lunch & Learn webinars introduce people to nature experts in the province. Listen to this radio clip in French starting at 22:20.

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June 22, 2021 | National Observer
Quebec and Feds Lead Canada’s Conservation Efforts

Lack of adequate conservation measures by provinces and territories is to blame for Canada failing to meet its international conservation target, according to a CPAWS report.

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June 9, 2021 | Winnipeg Free Press
Second Developer Awarded Contract in Provincial Park

The Pallister government has contracted out work to a private developer in a second provincial park, angering the union for conservation officers and environmental groups, who demand an end to the privatization of public assets.

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June 8, 2021 | CTV
Free Webinars Connecting Manitobans to Nature

Thousands of people have attended the CPAWS Manitoba Lunch & Learn webinars, learning new wilderness skills and growing their connection to nature.

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June 7, 2021 | CTV
Manitoba Gives the Reins of a Provincial Park to a Private Company

June 7, 2021, marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of St. Ambroise Provincial Park in Manitoba, but this summer the rules are a little different, as a private company is managing the space.

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June 7, 2021 | Winnipeg Free Press
Pallister Government Accused of Privatizing Provincial Park

Campsite fees tripled at St. Ambroise Provincial Park after a private company took over what was a public service.

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June 2021 | The Leaf
Heed the Call

A newspaper that covers the Wolseley and West Broadway communities in Winnipeg published our blog post "How to Survive Yet Another School Lockdown: Get Outside," which features pandemic parenting tips from a twin mom.

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May 14, 2021 | CTV
Trails Closed, Campfires Banned in Southern Manitoba Provincial Parks Due to Extreme Fire Risk

In spring, while several provincial campgrounds officially opened for the season, Manitobans couldn't have a campfire or go for a hike or bike ride on most popular trails due to wildfire risk.

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april 22, 2021 | Radio-Canada

On Earth Day 2021, Premier Brian Pallister announced a $20-million endowment fund to be managed by the Winnipeg Foundation. Watch the clip in French starting at 8:20.

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April 22, 2021 | Winnipeg Free Press
Fund to Pay for Upgrades to Manitoba Parks

At a time when Manitobans are heading to provincial parks in massive numbers to escape pandemic boredom, the government has set up a fund to improve them.

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april 22, 2021 | Global News

The Manitoba government is creating a $20-million endowment fund for provincial parks intended to support park improvements and programming “in perpetuity.”

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april 22, 2021 | Radio-Canada

Manitoba is creating a new $20 million endowment fund to maintain and improve provincial parks.

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April 1, 2021 | CBC
Polar Bear Politics Heat Up in Churchill After Province Quietly Gives Company New Permits

First Nations and environmentalists decry a move by the provincial government to expand tourist access to polar bears in Churchill.

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August 26, 2020 | cbc
Feds Put $3.2M Toward Conservation of Seal River Watershed in Northern Manitoba

The Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area Initiative aims to protect the entire Seal River Watershed from industrial activity.

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Help Keep Manitoba Wild

 

CPAWS Manitoba has helped establish 22 parks and protected areas thanks to people like you.

With your help, we can protect half our lands and waters for future generations of people and wildlife.

TAKE ACTION!