A new regulation under Manitoba's Mines Act was signed and registered June 3, 2013. The regulation blocks any new peat leases being issued, and blocks extension of existing peat mine operations from being put forward for licensing under the Environment Act. See link to regulation below.

On February 25, 2013 the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship department issued a press release about peat mining and the freezing of peat leases. The announcement (no further verification is available beyond the press release ) indicated that no peat mining would occur in Manitoba's parks. It also suspended "any new Environment Act applications or approvals for peat mining operations in Manitoba until the stewardship strategy is implemented."

The current proposal under the Environment Act for an expanded peat mining operation licence to Sunterra was allowed to continue, and continues in the review and licensing process. Hundreds of Manitobans have objected to this proposal under the Act. It is also situated in Washow Peninsula.

Minister Mackintosh also directed that Manitoba buy out SunGro's leases and application for a peat mine environment licence in Grindstone, a peninsula within Helca provincial park.

Two First Nations, Peguis and Fisher River First Nations, are currently undertaking community reviews of the Sunterra proposal. Both communities waited eight months for approved funding to undertake their community processes.