This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta’s wetlands are diverse in form, function, use and distribution across the province. The new policy will conserve, restore, protect and manage wetlands across the province, and the many benefits wetlands provide to the environment.
“A strong and flexible wetlands policy is integral to responsible environmental management and I am proud of the dedication of the many government staff and stakeholders who got us here today. This policy provides the certainty, consistency, and predictability we need to effectively manage wetlands across the province well into the future.”
Impacts of Alberta Wetlands Policy
- Wetlands of the highest value will be protected for the long-term benefit of all Albertans.
- Wetlands and their benefits will be conserved and restored in areas where losses have been high.
- Wetlands will be managed by avoiding, minimizing, and if necessary, replacing lost wetland value.
- Wetland management will consider regional context.
The new Alberta Wetland Policy incorporates wetlands of all classes throughout the province, acknowledges the importance of individual wetlands on the landscape, and provides regulatory certainty, clarity, and predictability to better balance development and wetlands protection.
Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.