Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) Minister Ron Kostyshyn is responding to accusations being made by the Manitoba Bipole Landowners Committee (MBLC).
The group feels that the minister has mistreated them by turning down several requests to sit down and talk about the Bipole III hydro project. MBLC's latest failed attempt to meet with the minister occurred last week after question period at the Manitoba Legislature.
Kostyshyn says he understands the producer's concerns, however the group is directing its frustration at the wrong governmental department.
"Unfortunately this is an issue for Manitoba Hydro and it's not a MAFRD issue," he said. "I respect the fact that it's agriculture based but I know that Hydro staff have continuously talked with the producers on the Bipole III line. We had conversations with Minister [Eric] Robinson (minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro) and we continue to talk to Hydro about the importance of trying to accommodate the concerns they have."
The MBLC committee wants Kostyshyn to help them arrange a meeting with Manitoba Hydro to negotiate a fair business deal. The group also has concerns about biosecurity and liability surrounding the towers.
Source : SteinbachOnline