My name is Ace, and I created this petition and Northern Travellers Demanding Better in hopes of creating change in my community of Thompson, Manitoba and Northern Manitoba as a whole.

We are a community organization created with the intent of demanding better conditions for bus passengers and drivers along Highway 6. I live in Thompson, Manitoba and I, like many others, regularly take the bus to and from Winnipeg. On October 31st, 2018, Greyhound Canada pulled all their bus routes in Western Canada, leaving smaller companies to take their spot. The current bus lines that operate between Thompson and Winnipeg are Maple Bus Lines Ltd. and NCN Thompson Bus & Freight Ltd. (Owned by Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation). NCN Thompson Bus runs daily and Maple Bus Lines runs 6 days a week.

I've traveled with both companies, and was unfortunately appalled by the conditions of both bus lines. Customers will regularly share stories of buses with no heat traveling in the brutal Manitoba winters. On March 3, 2023, the Winnipeg Free Press reported on the conditions on the two bus lines. In the article, a former driver for NCN Thompson Bus Lines says he quit driving for the company in February of 2023 after "Two seniors had to be physically assisted off the bus after the cold rendered them incapacitated." A quote from a passenger reads "They're going to basically freeze somebody to death..." The winter conditions along Highway 6 often reach lows of below -40 °C. Something must be done before somebody dies of hypothermia.

Another common complaint is intoxicated passengers and open alcohol on the bus. On my last ride with Maple Bus Lines from Winnipeg, a passenger's open alcoholic cooler can fell onto the floor, getting over myself and other passengers. Once the driver was informed, nothing was done. The two passengers continued to drink alcohol and create a nuisance for other riders. Typical procedure in the case of an intoxicated passenger on a bus line includes calling local law enforcement, informing them of the situation, and escorting the passenger(s) at the nearest stop once authorities have arrived. Allowing open alcohol on a moving motorized vehicle is a crime and the bus operators and drivers should have a set procedure for this scenario. Children, elders, and recovering addicts take these buses and shouldn't have to be exposed to open drinking.

These buses are a lifeline for those who need to travel to Winnipeg for medical appointments. Northern residents are required to take the 700km+ travel for many essential medical needs including specialist visits, allergy testing, orthodontics, cancer treatment, rehabilitation, and much, much more. Both bus lines accept, and profit from the Northern Patient Transportation Program (“NPTP”) medical travel warrants. Warrants for air travel are only issued on special cases, making the bus the only option.

A bus ticket from both companies from Thompson to Winnipeg costs CA$80 one-way and takes approximately 8 hours. The alternatives to the bus include air travel, Via Rail, or traveling by vehicle. Calm Air operates a daily flight from Thompson to Winnipeg, averaging CA$535 one-way and takes about 1h 50m. The Via Rail passenger train makes a stop at the Thompson station on its Churchill-Winnipeg route. The train costs $175 one-way for an adult in economy seating, taking about 26h 45 m. The bus is the most affordable option for those who don't have access to their own vehicle.

For those who do drive themselves, there's very minimal gas stations and restrooms along Highway 6, with the primary stops being in Wabowden (108km from Thompson), Grand Rapids/Misipawistik Cree Nation (333km from Thompson), and Ashern (578km from Thompson). The highway has also been known for a number of fatal accidents in recent years.

The Winnipeg Free Press also reported on a gathering of protestors outside of Maple Bus Lines' Winnipeg depot, picketing for wages that allegedly went unpaid. A former driver, Nancy Campbell, alleges a $2,400 deposit was clawed back from her account after the bank determined the company had insufficient funds. This makes it clear that the conditions are not only unacceptable for riders, but the drivers who work for these companies. Drivers shouldn't have to drive vehicles they feel are unsafe in, especially in extreme cold conditions.

I believe that Doyle Piwniuk, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in Manitoba should issue an investigation into both bus lines operating the route to and from Thompson, Manitoba to ensure that conditions are safe for passengers and drivers alike.

Our demands for both NCN Thompson Bus and Maple Bus Lines are to create and enforce a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol use and intoxication on their buses.

This petition is to be delivered to Doyle Piwniuk, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as both bus line companies.

Thank you for your interest in our petition and for believing in community activism.