Working in co-operation with Manitoba Conservation, industry stewards, municipalities, environmental non-government organizations (ENGOs) and consumer groups, Green Manitoba is working to implement revised product stewardship programs for the priority material areas. These programs will:

·         build on the success of Manitoba’s current programs to establish new broad-based stewardship programs that are economically and environmentally sustainable;

·         provide more flexibility for stewards to set program fees as may be required to implement the program;

·         reduce government’s direct involvement in program design and management;

·         reinforce the link between product design and the environment.

Green Manitoba will be responsible for:

·         reviewing program business plans

·         setting program performance targets

·         monitoring established program activities and achievements.

Green Manitoba is implementing a product stewardship framework within which government, industry, and communities will work together to address issues concerning waste production, resource depletion, and environmental pollution. The extended producer responsibility (EPR) model currently being pursued adheres to the “polluter pays” principle by shifting the waste management burden from taxpayers to producers and consumers. The financial implications of this model promote a more efficient and sustainable use of resources. Our intent is to capitalize on the opportunities for economic growth and community vitality available through effective management practices applied to all waste streams.