The province is working on an Agricultural Water Stewardship Policy, but the Official Opposition has some concerns around whether the conservation of wetlands will be a priority, so the NDP has introduced its own bill.
Critic for the Water Security Agency, Erika Ritchie, says Bill 615 directs the government to develop a wetlands policy similar to what Manitoba and Alberta have and to make sure it is informed by meaningful consultation with agricultural producers, recreational and traditional users, water experts and others.
Over 2300 letters were delivered to the Legislature recently urging the same.
Ritchie says there are concerns about who has been invited to the consultations and who has not.
She adds that agricultural producers are also concerned about illegal drainage.
Ritchie explains that wetlands are good for the environment. They are our best natural carbon sink, and they reduce the impact of flooding and drought.
About 10,000 acres of wetlands are lost on average each year in Saskatchewan, according to Ducks Unlimited.