February 20th, 2025 

The Hon. Wab Kinew 

Premier of Manitoba   204 Legislative Building 

450 Broadway 

Hon.Ian Bushie Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures

301 Legislative Building 450 Broadway 

Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8 Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8 

Hon. Mike Moyes 

Minister of Environment and Climate Change 

344 Legislative Building  

450 Broadway 

Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8 

Dear Premier and Ministers: 

Re: Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area 

We are writing to express our concerns with the potential designation of the Seal River Watershed as an  Indigenous Protected Area and possibly as a national park. 

The Manitoba Lodges & Outfitters Association (MLOA) supports actions that protect our public lands and  promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our outdoor spaces and our fish and wildlife resources.  However, we are concerned that some models of protected areas have unfairly excluded access for  outfitters and their clients, and in heading down this road the Seal River proposal will threaten our  members’ access, livelihoods and jobs. We ask the government of Manitoba to ensure that any changes  to the designation of our Crown Lands maintain access and opportunities for all Manitobans. 

The MLOA was founded in 1986 to ensure the sustainability of outdoor resources while providing world class experiences to visitors and showcasing resource tourism in Manitoba. Our members create jobs for  northern Manitobans, many of whom are indigenous Manitobans living in areas with few alternative  employment opportunities. Our members are major contributors to the over $1B of investments in  Manitoba associated with anglers and hunters. These investments and jobs depend on our ability to  access public lands, subject to strict rules established by provincial legislation to ensure sustainable use. 

We were therefore concerned to learn that significant changes to access and land designations are being  contemplated, and that this process is being led not by the province, but by a non-government  consortium funded by the federal government parks department. 

As stated, the MLOA supports actions that protect our public lands and the sustainable use of them. The  current provincial management of the Seal River Watershed is working well and sustaining jobs for  northern Manitobans while protecting the environment. We do not support changes to designations of  or restrictions on access to public land in the Seal River Watershed and respectfully request that the  MLOA and our members be included in discussions regarding any changes. Livelihoods depend on it. 

Sincerely, 

Don Lamont, Executive Director 

Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association