Eco-Journal, v.17.5 Nov/Dec 2007
By Anne Lindsey, Executive Director, Manitoba Eco-Network
My first Manitoba Environmental Network meeting was in 1984, at Westminster United Church. My group, Concerned Citizens of Manitoba, had heard about this gathering of environmental groups, and we were curious to see what it was all about—and whether it could help us in our campaign.
We found a small group of earnest people at that first meeting. We also had a guest—a Member of the Legislative Assembly—and one major thing I took away from that meeting was his advice: “the squeaky wheel gets the grease’, referring of course to the activism, communication and persistence about an issue that gets the attention of governments. It was excellent advice that remains absolutely relevant today. We were educated by these folks that we met and decided to join up.
30 years for the CEN
The network had been around for a number of years—along with similar bodies in other provinces—set up initially by the federal Department of Environment to enable consultation with environmental groups around the country on new legislation and initiatives. This network of networks was (and still is) called the Canadian Environmental Network, this year marking its own 30th anniversary.
I´ve been privileged to have been around the Manitoba Eco-Network (we changed our name in 1989) ever since that time and as I reflect on those 23 years, I see some amazing changes that have taken place—both for the organization, and for the environmental movement as a whole, not to mention the “state of the planet’ and the kinds of issues we all work on.
Growing and evolving
The Network turned out to be a valuable resource for our small citizens´ group—and it has played an important role for many other groups since that time. The Network has grown and evolved, alongside the many organizations—both large and small—that make up the environmental movement in Manitoba.
In the next issue of the Eco-Journal—our first in the anniversary year, we´ll look back on the last 25 years of environmentalism in this province through the eyes of some key players in the Network and in the member groups—and maybe some observers as well!
Meanwhile, we want to draw your attention to the invitation postcard enclosed with this issue. Our celebration event is taking place on Saturday, March 8 at the Radisson Hotel. The hotel staff are working closely with us to create a meal featuring organic and local foods—no small feat for Manitoba in March! We would be so pleased to have you join us.
If you have a recollection or story that you think should be included in our “looking back’ feature, please send your idea along. Call me at 947-6511, or e-mail .