The intent of the Speaker’s Panel Discussion was to help give some direction and guidance on how organizations in Manitoba can improve upon the access and use of climatic data and information.  Presenters were asked to identify some of the opportunities and gaps relating to raw weather data and the dissemination of climatic information and models.  The panel discussions were facilitated by Don Dixon of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.  The following are some of the main issues and comments that came out of the Panel Discussion.

Collaboration and a Formal User Group

The need for increased collaboration was a common theme amongst many of the speakers and others in the audience.  The workshop was a good start in creating awareness about weather data and information products that are available outside of Environment Canada’s network.  There was general agreement amongst all of the presenters that the formation of a formal user group would help facilitate increased collaboration amongst organizations that collect and use weather information in Manitoba.  Ian Nicholls of the Ontario Weather Network mentioned that there is a formal organization in Ontario called the Ontario Climate Advisory Committee.  They have helped to increase the awareness of available data by producing an inventory of all climate weather stations in the province.

Sourcing of Information

Alf Warkentin of Manitoba Water Stewardship mentioned that organizations in Manitoba could also benefit from a central hub of information from both official and non-official weather stations in the province.  Andy Nadler of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives also mentioned that many users of weather data do not always know what is available and that there are often difficulties in accessing data.  This could be made easier by accessing from a central source.

Involvement of Other Organizations

The presentations helped to create awareness of the network of weather stations that are operated by organizations other than Environment Canada.   These include stations under the Manitoba Agricultural Weather Program and Manitoba Conservation’s Forest Fire Weather Program .  Alf Warkentin mentioned that Water Stewardship is collaborating with Rural Municipalities to provide weather information.  Others agreed that RM's and Conservation Districts could be a valuable resource for supplying climatic information.

Expertise

There is a need from many organizations to access information that is derived from weather observations.  Organizations such as Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada do not have the metrological expertise to process the data into information.  They need to partner with other organizations that have the capability to provide that information.

Need for Long Term Climatic Information

Many of the presentations focused on the needs and requirements of real-time weather observations.  Paul Bullock of the University of Manitoba raised the issue of the need for long term historical information required for scientific modeling and other lines of business. 

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