September 17, 2020 

Will Introduce Legislation to Ensure Manitobans Have Their Say on Future of Hydro

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB—The Official Opposition will immediately introduce legislation in the House that would provide Manitobans a voice before Manitoba Hydro or any of its subsidiaries are privatized.

“The Pallister government has been politically interfering in and undermining Manitoba Hydro since they took office. The latest Government directives show the Premier and his inner circle of staff are pushing towards breaking up Hydro’s fibre optic lines and selling them off piece by piece,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “We know Manitobans want to protect our most precious Crown Corporation – that is why we are bringing forward legislation that will require Pallister to give Manitobans a say before any subsidiary is sold off. Manitoba Hydro is not for sale,” said Kinew.

Recent media reports reveal the Pallister government is politically interfering at Manitoba Hydro International and Manitoba Hydro Telecom in violation of its own law governing Crown Corporations. This interference has led to cancelled contracts, millions in lost revenue and huge costs to local business.

“Pallister’s and his staff’s interference is not only wrong, it is undermining our most important Crown Corporation,” said Adrien Sala, official opposition critic for Manitoba Hydro. “We have a short opportunity to stop Pallister’s plans for privatization of Hydro – that's why we will make sure Manitobans have a voice so we can tell Pallister Hydro is not for sale”.

The NDP’s bill would protect Hydro subsidiaries like Manitoba Hydro International by requiring a vote by Manitobans before any part of Hydro could be privatized.