We have found a bold new way to get the attention of  MLA Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Conservation and Climate)! A series of billboards and transit shelter ads just went up stating: “MLA Sarah Guillemard, Don’t let Hydro destroy South Indian Lake.” 

If you are in Winnipeg, please check them out and post a photo! Tag @CdnChange if you are on Twitter. The locations are: Pembina Hwy and Killarney and a digital billboard across from Polo Park.

As you know, together we have been doing everything we can to put pressure on the Manitoba government to not let Manitoba Hydro continue to destroy O-Pipon-Na-Piwin (South Indian Lake). Now over 49,000 of us - people like you who care - have signed!

Since 1973, Manitoba Hydro has lied to our community. They have polluted our water, flooded our land, and destroyed livelihoods. Now they have applied for a permanent license to continue this destruction - we can’t let that happen.

Richard ‘Dik’ Coats is an engineer who was concerned about the harms caused by the original flooding by Hydro and is now speaking out to try to stop the approval of the final license. 

In a January 21, 2021 letter to Minister Guillemard he said: “The original flooding of South Indian Lake was my first exposure to ‘engineering gone wrong’, and I was greatly disappointed with the lack of care and judgement shown by the profession. It is because of the initial devastation of South Indian Lake that I do not wear the traditional engineer’s ‘iron ring’.”

He says: “Manitoba has a decided conflict of interest due to their direct involvement with Hydro. They should be recused from the decision making process and the public should be involved.”

I started the petition to let the rest of Canada know what is happening to my community - and I want to sincerely thank all 49,000 of you for standing with us.

Now, don’t forget to share your photos of the billboards!

Thank you for your support,

Angela Levasseur