The Manitoba Wildlife Federation says uncertainty around a proposed protected area in northern Manitoba is fuelling concerns that long-standing outdoor activities like licensed hunting, angling and related tourism operations, could eventually be phased out.
At the centre of those concerns is federal language suggesting some activities could be “grandfathered” for a period of time if they align with conservation objectives, a concept the federation warns may signal only temporary allowances rather than permanent access.
In a letter to Parks Canada, the federation raised questions about governance, access and the long-term future of traditional land uses tied to the proposed Seal River Watershed project, which could include a national park designation.
The initiative, led by four First Nations through the Seal River Watershed Alliance, is being advanced as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.
Federal officials say a memorandum of understanding between the alliance, Manitoba and Canada was signed in 2024 to study the project’s feasibility. That work concluded in early 2025 that establishing a protected area and potentially a national park is feasible.
Adriana Bacheschi, director of national park establishment with Parks Canada, said a detailed draft proposal will be released for public and stakeholder feedback through Manitoba’s EngageMB process.
She said the federal government is open to discussing “grandfathering” certain activities for a period of time, provided they align with conservation goals.
But the Manitoba Wildlife Federation says that wording raises red flags.
In a follow-up letter dated March 27, Managing Director Carly Deacon said the organization is seeking clear assurances that Manitobans who rely on the area for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation will not lose access over time.
The federation argues that “grandfathering” could ultimately lead to the gradual elimination of existing uses, particularly if future management plans prioritize stricter conservation measures.
“Meaningful engagement is critical to ensuring that all perspectives … are fully considered,” Deacon wrote.
The issue has also surfaced at the federal level. During a March 12 meeting of the House of Commons standing committee on environment and sustainable development, Conservative MP Brandon Leslie pressed Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin on whether traditional activities would remain permitted.
“Will you guarantee that no Canadian would be banned from continuing to hunt or fish if this proposed national park moves ahead?” Leslie asked.
Dabrusin did not provide a firm guarantee, but said the project is being developed in partnership with the Manitoba government and includes ongoing consultation.
“My understanding … is that access is not a problem and that there is going to be access,” she said, adding more details would be available as the proposal advances.
Leslie also raised concerns about potential impacts on lodges and outfitters, noting fears that some operations could be forced to shut down under a national park designation.
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has called for the process to be paused until more detailed information is made public, citing concerns about transparency and the lack of a clear long-term framework for how access and existing users would be treated.
The Seal River watershed spans roughly 50,000 square kilometres of provincial Crown land, stretching from the Nunavut border south toward South Indian Lake and from Lac Brochet east to Hudson Bay.
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Apr 06, 2026 at 10:51
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