Premier Gary Doer says his NDP government is committed “to ensuring Manitobas water supply is protected and is publicly owned.” In a letter to the Manitoba Division, Doer said water is a “serious issue” and thanked CUPE for its work highlighting the attempts by huge international corporations to control our water systems.
In November CUPE Manitoba members took the dont privatize water message to their provincial representatives in a mailing to all MLAs.
CUPE 500 member Bob Pendik of Winnipegs Water Watch committee says the Premiers response is “marvellous.” Pendik, a lab technician who works in the Citys water and waste division, says he wants to see the message get into the schools and alliances forged with seniors groups so “things could really start moving.”
Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin introduced legislation in December that would ban bulk water exports from Manitoba.