The Selkirk-Interlake riding's hosting federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn this weekend.

He's touring the riding with MP James Bezan, and will meet with municipal officials.

MP Bezan admits it's a chance to showcase the riding, but it's also an opportunity to discuss the health of Lakes Manitoba and Winnipeg. Meetings are slated with the Lake Winnipeg Water Stewardship Board, which he hopes will lead to partnering with Ottawa to keep the lakes clean.

Bezan feels Selkirk-Interlake benefits from the minister's visit because prairie issues are drawn into focus, which often doesn't happen when the attention is on the east and west coasts. He adds the concerns of 1300 fishers on the lakes deserve consideration.

The minister will also hear about drainage concerns which are under his department.