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Anyone who illegally drains wetlands or erects an illegal dyke could soon face enormously increased fines.

Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires tabled legislation Thursday she promised would bring enhanced protection to Manitoba's wetlands.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Files Provincial Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires tabled legislation Thursday she claims will bring enhanced protection to Manitoba's wetlands.

"We want to make sure there is no illegal drainage in the province," said Squires about the Sustainable Watersheds Act.

The point of the bill is to move water more smoothly through rural Manitoba, but there will be big fines to back up the legislation, she said. Fines against corporations increase from $25,000 to $500,000, and against individuals from $10,000 to $50,000.

If a wetland needs to be drained legally, means must be found to offset that by creating new wetland, Squires said, acknowledging most Manitobans are law-abiding and she doesn't expect to see many large fines imposed.

"It is about getting our house in order," she said.

Bill 7 notes a co-ordinated approach that includes local municipalities promotes the health and sustainability of watersheds. Cabinet would be able to set nutrient targets for specific areas, and could order any additional work necessary to protect wetlands during drainage projects.

Squires explained wetlands absorb nutrients and help the province achieve its goals of reducing emissions.

"Wetlands are the kidneys of our watershed," she said.

NDP leader Wab Kinew said the opposition is on-side with the bill, since it pretty much duplicates legislation the former NDP government drew up but never got around to passing.

"It's important we protect the wetlands and the downstream impact, the effect on Lake Winnipeg," Kinew said.

Nevertheless, he's concerned that the bill will not schedule the first nutrient count throughout Manitoba until after the next election in 2020.

Keystone Agricultural Producers president Dan Mazier said Squires is bringing a holistic approach to the health of wetlands.

"It brings everyone together," Mazier said.

KAP is not concerned about the fines, he said.

"If you're putting a bunch of water on me, it's costing me money."

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca