Illegal blockade allowed to remain, no negotiations on the horizon

It’s been two weeks since the barricades went up near Hollow Water – preventing residents and cottagers from freely coming and going in the area – but the NDP has failed to act, sending a message to Manitobans that the law is not applied fairly and equally to all, said Progressive Conservative Justice Critic, Gerald Hawranik and Conservation Critic, Heather Stefanson.

“Conservation Minister Stan Struthers says he isn’t in a position to enforce the law, refusing to negotiate until the barricades are removed. Justice Minister Dave Chomiak doesn’t have the courage to enforce the law, allowing those involved to rise above the justice system,” Hawranik said. “If Struthers says he can’t and Chomiak won’t, who can Manitobans expect to deal with this illegal blockade?”

According to Section 423 of the Criminal Code, it is illegal to block or obstruct a highway.

“The barricades erected at Hollow Water are clearly illegal – both the Conservation Minister and RCMP Sergeant Doug Ashton agree,” Hawranik said. “Not only is it unfair to put the requests of one group ahead of the rights of another, but it also sends a message to Manitobans that the law can be broken without any consequences. After a summer riddled with violent crimes against people, that’s definitely not the message the NDP should be sending.

“Why is the Justice Minister – the person ultimately responsible to enforce and uphold the laws in our province – failing to stand up today and to enforce the law?”

Stefanson said several residents in the Ayer’s Cove cottage development have expressed concern that they may not be able to access their cottages to winterize them before freeze-up. She said the NDP’s failure to manage the situation has left many Manitoba cottagers without any answers. 

“If they can’t access their own property, cottage owners could face costly expenses due to frozen plumbing and a spokesman for the Conservation Minister has the gall to say, ‘We are asking for people’s patience’,” Stefanson said. “It’s already been two weeks. How many more days, weeks or months does this Minister think is appropriate for these people to be barred from accessing their own property?”