MANITOBANS SHOULD QUESTION THE PATH THIS PREMIER IS TAKING US DOWN.

president David Chartrand accused Pallister of using “race card” tactics.

He said there was a negotiated agreement with the Hydro board that respected Metis rights and would save Manitobans millions in litigation costs and delays around Hydro projects.

“Premier Pallister will likely cost all Manitobans, including Manitoba Metis citizens who pay hundreds of millions in taxes to the province each year, triple that in project delays, litigation and damages,” Chartrand said. “All Manitobans should question the path this premier is taking us down.”

Manitoba Hydro is racking up billions of dollars in debt to build new generating stations and transmission lines, and is asking regulators to approve annual rate increases of up to 7.9 per cent for the next several years. The Progressive Conservatives opposed the plan while in Opposition, but said after winning the 2016 election that it was too late to reverse the construction projects.

The Tories replaced the Hydro board less than two years ago with the nine members who are now resigning.

Pallister said he had spoken with board members but avoided meetings because he did not want to seem to be interfering in Hydro’s regulatory applications to the Public Utilities Board.

Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont called the dispute a “full-blown crisis” and an indictment of Pallister’s leadership.

Loren Remillard, CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said the province needs to move quickly to appoint a new board to send a message of stability that “the core business is still responsible, sustainable, well-managed.”

Pallister said a new Hydro board will be appointed soon