Development of a Wetland Policy for Saskatchewan
Year: 2021
Resolution
Whereas wetlands are areas where water naturally covers the soil and supports various species of plants, trees, birds and animals; and
Whereas wetlands reduce the effects of water pollution by cleaning the water, they protect us from flooding by storing and slowly releasing water downstream, they protect us from drought by holding water when conditions are dry, they reduce the production and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, they give us natural places to play, learn and explore. They are destinations for hiking, hunting, canoeing, photography and more; and
Whereas research commissioned by the Lower Qu’Appelle Watershed Stewards found that that the greatest reduction in phosphorus and other man-made nutrients entering our lakes and rivers can be achieved by restoring drained wetlands as noted in this study where the Water Security Agency was a participant: https://www.lqws.ca/quappelle-river-basin-research-and-monitoring- committee ; and
Whereas over 70% of our natural wetlands in Saskatchewan have been lost; and
Whereas Saskatchewan does not have a wetland policy and is the only province in Canada without one.
Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan, including the Water Security Agency, SaskWater, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment, to develop and adopt a wetland policy comparable to the policies currently in place in Alberta and Manitoba.
ACTS AFFECTED: New
REGION/SECTOR AFFECTED: ALL
