12 March, 2021

Dear Member;

We need YOU!!

 
Sunday March 14^th, at 12:00PM (show up at 11:30 and expect it to last till 12:30).  There will be a Hydro press conference with the NDP  at the Manitoba Hydro Building, at the blue sign on Graham and Edmonton. This announcement will be about the NDP’s plans to delay Bill 35 - a government bill that opens the door to the privatization of Manitoba Hydro and makes it’s easier for the Pallister government to raise Hydro rates.  The NDP will delay Bill 35 so that it is not guaranteed to pass by this June. Instead, we’ll give Manitobans and IBEW members more time to learn about the damaging effects of the bill. 
 

• Bill 35 weakens the powers of the independent Public Utilities Board.  It removes the requirement for the government to get the Board’s approval to raise rates. Plus, by limiting oversight on Hydro, it makes it easier for Pallister to break up this Crown Utility and privatize it.

• Bill 35 also opens the door for the current governmentt to raise rates to bolster Hydro Profits and effectively increase its“Hydro Piggy Bank”.  Last year the government received a record $462 Million in revenues directly from Manitoba Hydro.  This Bill allows it to come and get even more and represents another form of taxation for Manitobans.

Come out and show support!!

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034