PCs say Hutterite colonies singled out by Bill 21
SOURIS — Members of Hutterite colonies in the province took aim at the NDP government’s proposed changes to drinking water legislation during a public meeting Thursday in Souris. The meeting […]
Members of Hutterite colonies in Manitoba expressed their concerns about the proposed Bill 21, aimed at improving water system oversight, during a public meeting in Souris. Progressive Conservative MLA Colleen Robbins hosted the event to gather input from rural residents.
The legislation would allow public health officers to determine water sources based on usage, quality, and duration, rather than the number of connections. Rural attendees feared the bill might impose stricter regulations, such as chlorination, on community wells, which typically do not require it.
PCs MLA Konrad Narth, representing La Vérendrye, argued that Hutterite colonies are being singled out and accused urban NDP MLAs of lacking understanding of rural Manitoba's water systems. He suggested carveouts for Hutterite colonies and agricultural bulk fill sites, stating that Hutterite colonies use and distribute water uniquely compared to urban areas.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes dismissed the concerns, labeling them as "fear-mongering" and asserting that the bill aims to reduce oversight burdens for lesser-risk water systems. He proposed a more flexible approach by designating certain sites as semi-public, which could benefit smaller water systems. Moyes emphasized that vulnerable populations, such as hospitals and senior homes, would require greater oversight.
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