Canada Water Agency advances efforts to restore and protect Lake Winnipeg
News release
October 18, 2025 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, Member of Parliament Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced an investment of $1.6 million in 10 new freshwater projects to protect and restore Lake Winnipeg.
Lake Winnipeg is one of Canada’s largest lakes and plays a vital role in the lives of millions of Canadians. It supports local economies and communities, accounting for over 25% of Canada’s freshwater fishery revenue and over $600 million worth of hydroelectric generation annually. It also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many First Nations and Métis communities.
The Lake Winnipeg basin spans over one million square kilometers, crossing four Canadian provinces and four U.S. states. The basin contains about 70% of Canada’s cropland, making it one of the most economically important agricultural regions in the country.
The health of the lake and basin is under increasing pressure from nutrient loading and algal blooms, invasive species, changes in land use, and impacts of a changing climate. Restoring the health of Lake Winnipeg is a priority for Canada’s water security, economy and prosperity.
These projects are funded through the Canada Water Agency’s Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, a part of the strengthened Freshwater Action Plan. They focus on reducing nutrient loading and enhancing Indigenous engagement in freshwater decision-making to improve the lake’s water quality and ecosystem health.
Among the recipients:
- Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium will receive $708,900 to support in-lake science efforts. This includes the operation of their vessels, the MV Namao and the MV Fylgia, which are vital for governments, academia, and other partners to conduct research and monitor the lake.
- Ducks Unlimited Canada will receive $150,600 to help reduce phosphorus entering Lake Winnipeg by protecting and restoring wetlands. Funding will also support educational outreach to farmers to promote adoption of farming practices that reduce nutrient runoff and protect water quality.
- The University of Winnipeg will receive $218,000 to improve understanding of the risk of phosphorus runoff during snowmelt, including through the development of a snowmelt runoff risk map for the Red River Basin. It will also test the effectiveness of soil amendments (to reduce this risk) and the associated impacts on agricultural production.
These projects will create lasting economic and social value by supporting sustainable fisheries; restoring vital habitats; and engaging Indigenous peoples, local communities and landowners in stewardships efforts. Reducing phosphorus runoff and promoting sustainable land use practices across the Lake Winnipeg basin will help protect water quality while supporting farmers in growing more food sustainably.
Through the new Canada Water Agency, the Government of Canada enhances coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in Lake Winnipeg and across the country. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a cleaner, more secure, and more prosperous future for all Canadians.
Quotes
“By protecting fresh water, we are safeguarding a resource that communities, industries and future generations depend on. Water is fundamental to our economic, environmental and cultural well-being, yet it is under growing threat. These projects enable the local action necessary to protect and restore Lake Winnipeg.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency
“Phosphorus loss from agricultural fields during snowmelt varies substantially across Manitoba’s Red River Basin. Our project aims to assess and map the risk of phosphorus loss to snowmelt across the region, facilitating more targeted management approaches, such as soil amendment to retain phosphorus in the soil. By targeting phosphorus runoff at its source, we can improve soil phosphorus management and help protect Lake Winnipeg’s water quality.”
– Dr Darshani Kumaragamage, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, The University of Winnipeg
“Wetlands are critically important to society. With the support of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada is partnering with private landowners to reduce phosphorous run off into Lake Winnipeg by restoring previously drained wetlands, constructing water retention projects, and conserving critical wetland habitat. This funding is critical to our conservation goals and will reduce phosphorus runoff to Lake Winnipeg by 16 to18 tonnes.”
– Nicole Chammartin, Chief Development and Sustainability Officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada
"The Consortium deeply values its relationship with the Canada Water Agency and is grateful for the support that makes our work possible. This support has allowed us to make our ship more energy efficient and to expand our community outreach efforts. Partnerships like this are essential to sustaining the efforts of the many organizations working to better understand and address the complex challenges facing Lake Winnipeg."
– Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors, Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium
Quick facts
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Lake Winnipeg is Canada's sixth-largest lake and the eleventh-largest freshwater lake in the world. Its watershed is the second largest in Canada and spans parts of four provinces and four American states.
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The Lake Winnipeg drainage basin has an area of nearly one million square kilometres.
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Since 2017, the Government of Canada has invested over $13.5 million in grants and contribution funding to support partner-led projects focused on reducing nutrients; advancing collaborative efforts; and enhancing Indigenous engagement to improve the ecological health of Lake Winnipeg.
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The Lake Winnipeg Fishery accounts for over 25% of Canada’s commercial freshwater fishery, valued at over $23 million in 2022.
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The Lake Winnipeg basin hosts 70% of Canada’s farmland, 62% of Canada’s cattle population, and 40% of Canada’s hog population. Winnipeg is the headquarters of the Canada Water Agency, which became a stand-alone agency in October 2024.
Associated links
Contacts
Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
343-552-2387
Keean.Nembhard@ec.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Water Agency
media@cwa-aec.gc.ca
Canada Water Agency’s X page
Canada Water Agency’s LinkedIn page
Environment and Natural Resources Canada Facebook Page