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Manitoba Aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2050 Despite Hydro's Fossil Fuel Plans
7 Oct
Summary
- Manitoba government publishes guidelines to become carbon neutral by 2050
- Plans to wean Manitoba Hydro off fossil fuels by 2035 complicated by new fossil fuel power plant
- Climate advocates call for more ambitious emissions reduction targets
On October 7, 2025, the Manitoba government unveiled its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The 32-page document, titled "Manitoba's Path to Net Zero," outlines several key initiatives, including the creation of a national marine conservation area in western Hudson Bay and the construction of more electric vehicle charging stations.
The most ambitious goal is to wean Manitoba Hydro, the province's utility, off fossil fuels by 2035. However, this target is complicated by Hydro's plan to build a new two-turbine, fossil fuel-burning generating station before 2029 to address potential winter power shortages.
Climate advocates, such as Laura Cameron of the Climate Action Team Manitoba, have welcomed the high-level strategy but are pushing for more concrete emissions reduction targets, particularly for 2030 and 2035. They argue that clear interim goals are crucial to drive government policy, signal to investors, and ensure accountability.
Despite the challenges, the Manitoba government remains committed to its long-term vision of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. The creation of a new cabinet committee focused on climate change is one of the steps the province is taking to help achieve this ambitious target.
