Manitoba Government drops case against farmers

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The NDP government in Manitoba has dropped the case against several farmers including Joe Johnson, in relation to the farmer blockade that took place on April, 29th 2013 The farmers were protesting the provincial government’s decision to open the Portage Diversion, to avoid flooding to surrounding communities.

The three-dozen farmers were rallying against the opening of the diversion, claiming that the government had failed to provide adequate compensation dating back to the 2011 flood. Farmers are calling on the government to provide compensation and the diversion fixed up.

The farmers involved say that they are relived that they don’t have any charges against them and are happy with the progress that they have made thus far, noting that more people are now aware of the issue. 

About 100 farmers and First Nations groups rallied outside the Manitoba legislature on Tuesday. Emergency Minister Steve Ashton met with some demonstrators to hear their concerns. Both sides are now in talks to avoid future conflict.