We are pleased to report a temporary win on this issue!  With a scant 48 hours notice to speakers, the committee hearing for this bill took place on May 11, 2017 at 6pm. President Chris Mravinec spoke to Bill 19 along with Kevin Rebeck (MFL) and four others.  All presenters opposed the bill for varying reasons. These were former Hydro execs, retired engineers, and others that have been critics of the NDP’s handling of Hydro in the past. However, on this issue at least, we were in agreement. Bill 19 is not ready to be enacted into law!

The big surprise of the night was Steven Fletcher, PC MLA from Assiniboia, who effectively filibustered the whole committee meeting after the presentations.  He is deeply opposed to the legislation and essentially used his parliamentary privilege to speak for 10 minutes on every clause in the legislation.  The NDP caucus also assisted by raising objections of their own and giving him breaks between the 10 minute rounds.  Mr. Fletcher made it clear he is prepared to continue his efforts to stop the Bill from passing so we are not sure where this will end up considering the current legislative session closes on June 1, 2017.

The committee will have to reconvene to get to a decision before Bill 19 can move to the third reading and become law.  We don’t know when this will happen but will continue to track the issue and remain available to attend and defend on behalf of our members.

We created this short video to draw attention to the proposed removal of PowerSmart from Manitoba Hydro.

Our members are dedicated and work hard to deliver programs and services that save Manitobans money on their energy bills. Polling shows Manitobans want PowerSmart to stay with Manitoba Hydro.

Share this with your friends and family; let’s get the word out!

A new date has been selected for the Communities Not Cuts rally!   Saturday, May 6, 2017

As part of our coalition building efforts with community groups we are proud to support and participate in the Communities Not Cuts coalition.  Together we have planned an event which will be held at the Oodena Circle at the Forks in Winnipeg on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:30am.  It is a family oriented event so kids are welcome and it will provide an opportunity to share stories with other community groups and build solidarity and capacity for future events. We encourage members to attend to find out more about what is happening in their communities.

CUPE 998 supports the National Day of Mourning in remembrance of workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job.  It is also a good reminder to work safe and look out for each other on the job and at home. For more information follow this link to the Manitoba Federation of Labour Day of Mourning web page.  There is a list of events across the province including Winnipeg, Brandon, Selkirk, Thompson and Dauphin.

April 26 UPDATE: This event was postponed due to Saturday’s nasty weather.  Organizers are working to select an alternate date and we will post it when available.  Thank you to the hardcore supporters who did brave the weather to show up on Saturday!

——————————-

As part of our coalition building efforts with community groups we are proud to support and participate in the Communities Not Cuts coalition.  Together we have planned an event which will be held at the Oodena Circle at the Forks in Winnipeg on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 11:30.  It is a family oriented event so kids are welcome and it will provide an opportunity to share stories with other community groups and build solidarity and capacity for future events. We encourage members to attend to find out more about what is happening in their communities.