The Wildlife Damage Compensation Regulation, amendment, M.R. 24/2025, modifies Manitoba Regulation 20/98 under The Wildlife Act, with changes to definitions, compensation eligibility, and administrative terminology. The amendment updates the definition of the “AgriInsurance program” to align with the most recent version of the AgriInsurance Regulation under The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Act. This ensures that the compensation framework remains consistent with current agricultural insurance policies and contractual agreements.

One specific change introduces discretionary compensation for strawberry crops. Under the new subsection 4(2.2), the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) may provide compensation for potential future production losses of up to one year’s harvest. This change is intended to recognize the economic impact of wildlife damage on perennial crops and allows for a more flexible approach in determining compensation eligibility for affected farmers.

Several instances of the phrase “and Resource Development” are removed from various sections of the regulation, including subsections 4(6), 5.1, 10, 11, and 16(1). This reflects administrative restructuring or a shift in departmental responsibilities. The removal of this terminology is intended to improve the regulation and indicates a transfer of oversight duties to another department or agency.

Another amendment pertains to the calculation of compensation under the AgriInsurance program. The newly added subsection 7(3) clarifies that the maximum dollar value offered by MASC for any crop year includes any hay disaster benefits paid or payable under the program. This amendment is intended to ensure that compensation calculations account for additional financial assistance available for hay losses, providing a clearer framework for producers receiving benefits.

The amendment also increases the maximum compensation amount for eligible claims. Subsection 15(1) is modified to raise the compensation cap from $3,000 to $7,000. This adjustment is aimed at acknowledging the impact of inflation and the increasing financial burden of wildlife damage on agricultural producers, ensuring that affected parties receive more substantial support.

M.R. 24/2025 introduces updates to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Regulation by refining definitions, improving compensation eligibility, and adjusting financial limits. These changes intend to reflect evolving agricultural realities and aim to provide more effective support for producers dealing with wildlife-related losses.

Manitoba (24/2025) March 21, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.