The chief of a northern Manitoba First Nation is criticizing Manitoba Hydro after a power outage lasting several days forced residents to leave their homes during extreme cold.
Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias declared a state of emergency after power went out late Sunday when a transmission line north of the community snapped. Temperatures dropped below –30 C, leaving many homes without heat or electricity.
Hydro says repairs are difficult because the broken line is in a remote area between two islands and must be fixed using helicopters. Power is expected to be restored by Thursday evening, but Monias says the wait is unacceptable and could have been avoided if the line ran along a highway.
Some residents stayed behind and used candles and small heaters to keep warm, creating fire risks. Water systems also froze, and the community ran out of water. Hundreds of residents were evacuated to Thompson and Winnipeg, while generators and supplies were flown in.
Monias says the situation is now about human safety, not just a power outage, and is calling on governments to act faster to protect residents.
