At CUPE 998, we know that public ownership of Manitoba Hydro is more than just a policy choice—it’s the foundation of reliable service, affordable rates, and accountable governance that keeps our communities powered and our province strong. The Keep Hydro Public campaign is our collective stand against privatization and contracting out, and our call for bold, democratic control over our energy future. One which the Manitoba Government has committed to Keeping Hydro Public forever as communicated in the Opening of the First Session of the Forty -Third Legislature on Nov 21, 2023. In Manitoba, the “Speech from the Throne,” was delivered by the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of the Crown to outline the government’s agenda.

Why Public Hydro Matters

  • Reliable Service
    Publicly owned Hydro reinvests its revenues back into infrastructure upgrades, grid maintenance, and community-driven initiatives—ensuring stable, year-round power without sacrificing quality.
  • Affordable Rates
    When profit isn’t the bottom line, ratepayers benefit from fair, predictable electricity costs. Public oversight prevents the sudden rate spikes that can accompany privatized utilities.
  • Local Accountability
    Elected officials and community representatives oversee Hydro’s operations, ensuring decisions are made in the public interest—not for private shareholders.
  • Keep Jobs in Manitoba
    Protecting and keeping good jobs in Manitoba is important to all of us

Threats to Our Public Hydro

  1. Privatization Pressures
    Proposals to sell off assets of key Hydro functions jeopardize provincial control and open the door to profit-driven rate hikes.
  2. Contracting-Out Admin & Technical Roles
    Manitoba Hydro has increasingly outsourced administrative and technical positions, cutting pathways for internal advancement and replacing CUPE members with outside contractors. This undermines collective bargaining rights and diminishes local expertise.
  3. Corporate Profiteering
    Privatized utilities answer to investors—leading to cost-cutting measures that can compromise service quality, safety standards, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Privatization

Although there is no imminent threat of Privatization this will always be a campaign that CUPE Local 998 will actively engage in and protect all our jobs and future at Manitoba Hydro.

If you want a lawn sign to remind the government to Keep Hydro Public, contact the CUPE Office

Together, we can defend public power for Manitoba’s future.

In solidarity,
CUPE Local 998 Executive Board