In spring 2011 Manitoba Wildlands began posting a series of over twenty 'reality checks' regarding Manitoba's environment, resources, and the public interest. These 'reality checks' cover a wider range of topics than the surveys, and point to public policy standards and actions or lack of action for Manitoba's environment.

Manitoba Wildlands has issued surveys for each Manitoba election since 1999. Past election surveys and results are posted on the ManitobaWildlands.org website. The 2011 election surveys were posted on the Manitoba Wildlands government web page as soon as they went to political parties. Answers from the PC Party of Manitoba, The Manitoba Liberal Party, and The Green Party of Manitoba are now posted.

The Manitoba New Democratic party has been Manitoba's government since 1999. The 2011 surveys cover a range of existing programs, commitments, and gaps in protecting Manitoba's environment and resources. Seeking commitments from all political parties at election time puts a spotlight on Manitoba's environment and natural systems.

"Three opposition parties with fewer resources, and less access to information about Manitoba's environment, made the effort to answer these election surveys. But the NDP is not bothering. Manitobans might conclude that the opposition is more concerned about our environment than the NDP," said Gaile Whelan Enns, director Manitoba Wildlands.

The Manitoba New Democratic Party answered election surveys from Manitoba Wildlands, and WWF Canada for the 1999, 2003, and 2007 elections, and have indicated their survey responses will be forwarded.