The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba Hydro rates became the latest battleground in the provincial election on Wednesday. The Progressive Conservatives attacked the New Democrats over residential hydro bills that have gone up 20 per cent since the NDP took power in 1999. But the NDP defended the hikes, saying they average out to 1.4 per cent per year and rose three per cent slower than inflation. NDP Leader Greg Selinger unveiled a promise to ensure Manitobans pay the lowest combined bills in Canada for electricity, home heating and auto insurance. "This guarantee will help families pay the bills," said Selinger. "Manitoba is one of the most affordable places to live, work and raise a family, and we're going to build on that. We can do this because we will keep our utilities strong and publicly owned for the benefit of all Manitobans." 'Greatest risk' That prompted the PCs to go on the offensive, calling Selinger the "greatest risk to Manitoba Hydro." The PCs also renewed their criticism of the NDP for forcing Manitoba Hydro to build its next transmission line, BiPole III, down a longer, more costly route. The PCs claim the longer BiPole III route will cost every Manitoba family of four an extra $11,748, a charge the NDP has dismissed. For its part, the NDP said it "has protected and will continue to protect Manitoba's affordability advantage on hydro rates." Ð Compiled from Manitoba NDP and Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party news releases.
