Committee is over and even though EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER spoke against Bill 36, it still passed at committee, with one small amendment that does nothing to address most of Manitobans' problem with the Bill.

Now that committee is over, there is a new letter asking the government to listen to everyone who spoke at committee because every single one of them spoke against the bill. All of them.

You can send the updated letter now - https://protectpub.ca/send-a-letter/

If you have not yet sent the other letter, that can still happen also - https://protectpub.ca/send-a-letter-original/

MORE ABOUT BILL 36

Bill 36 - As if the Manitoba Government was not up to enough shenanigans, now they’ve got a bill to decimate the Public Utility Board (PUB).

Bill 36, The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Public Utilities Board Amendment Act is proposing many changes that need much more explanation or should be completely removed.

Manitoba has one of the best systems in the country for setting electricity rates.

Now, instead of keeping the decision making with the PUB, the Manitoba Government wants to set themselves.

And that is just the tip of the Ice Berg... 

Your concerns could extend to

• How Bill 36 could raise the price of electricity beyond what Hydro actually needs.
• How Bill 36 strips the Public Utilities Board of its impartial oversight role in setting hydro and natural gas rates.
• How Bill 36 allows current and future governments to create new rules on how electricity rates are set without having to justify those changes before the Legislative Assembly.
• How Bill 36 censors the Public Utilities Board from questioning or critiquing government policy around rate-setting.
• How Bill 36 allows for rate hearings to be held behind closed doors.
• How Bill 36 allows for the private retail sale of electricity without a clear framework on what will be permitted.
• How Bill 36 makes major changes to Hydro before the results of two major reviews of its operations have been completed.
• How Bill 36 is making Manitoba look less appealing for investors
• How Bill 36 is not consistent with MB environmental assessment legislation
• How Bill 36 is being passed before the results of two major reviews of its operations have been completed.
• How Bill 36 has broad concerns from a wide range of Manitobans who are unanimous in calling it a bad bill and asking for its withdrawal.

SEND A LETTER NOW TO STOP THIS TROUBLING BILL

This bill guts the PUB of its ability to independently regulate hydro rates and:

1. Could raise the price of electricity beyond what Hydro really needs.
2. Would allow any current and future government to create new rules on how electricity rates are set without having to justify it before the Legislative Assembly.
3. Disproportionately impacts vulnerable Manitobans as it strips the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of its impartial oversight role in setting hydro and natural gas rates.
4. Censors the PUB from being able to comment on government policy and regulations.
5. Could limit hearings from a live, in person setting in favour of strictly written presentations. In some cases rate hearings could be held completely behind closed doors.
6. Makes major changes to Hydro before the results of two major reviews of its operations have been completed.
7. According to the Industrial Power Users, is making Manitoba less appealing to investors.

More background can be found here!

Again, the other way you can make a big impact and show your opposition is by registering to speak at committee.  The number of people who signed up to speak against Bill 64 last year played a key role in the Manitoba government withdrawing that Bill.

You can register through the Clerk's Office at 204-945-3636 and you will have 10 min to present (though you do not have to use it all).

To take action against this bill, visit the Coalition’s website and send a letter to your local MLA and the government expressing your concerns. 

Did you miss the presentation with Byron’s Williams about why you should protect the PUB?  Watch it now on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9YscKwTFY

Coalition Members: Wa Ni Ska Tan:An Alliance of Hydroimpacted Communities, Manitoba Hydro Accountability Board, Council of Canadians, Winnipeg Chapter,  Manitoba Eco-Network, Interchurch Council on Hydropower, Make Poverty History Manitoba, Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 2034), Sustainable Building Manitoba, ManSEA, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Manitoba, SEED Winnipeg Inc, Communities Not Cuts. Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition. Raysolar

Get in touch if you wish to get involved.- https://protectpub.ca/