Pimicikamak Cree Nation Files Class-Action Lawsuit Following Power Outage Crisis

📅 2 weeks ago

The Pimicikamak Cree Nation has initiated a class-action lawsuit against Manitoba Hydro, the provincial government, and the federal Attorney General after a power outage led to extensive damage and the displacement of community members.

WINNIPEG — Over six months have passed since a significant power outage forced residents of a northern Manitoba First Nation to evacuate, leaving hundreds still displaced. The Pimicikamak Cree Nation, commonly referred to as Cross Lake, saw more than 4,000 of its members leave when a prolonged power outage at the end of last year resulted in severe water damage, including frozen water systems, sewer backups, electrical issues, and burst pipes. Chief David Monias reported that 650 community members remain unable to return home due to ongoing repairs needed for 180 houses deemed uninhabitable, alongside the requirement to replace an additional 35 homes.
In response to the crisis, Monias has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Manitoba Hydro, a Crown corporation, the provincial government, and the Attorney General of Canada, representing the approximately 8,000 individuals in the community. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages, the installation of a secondary hydro line to improve electrical reliability, and resources aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness for such incidents in the future.
The Pimicikamak Cree Nation had previously requested that the utility company relocate the 300-metre power line that broke and caused the outage from its position above the Nelson River to a nearby road, to prevent similar occurrences. However, the class-action lawsuit must first receive certification from a judge before proceeding.
Monias expressed frustration with the lack of support from provincial and federal governments, stating that the community felt compelled to pursue legal action due to the perceived negligence of these authorities. "They’re washing their hands, saying they’re not responsible," Monias remarked during a press conference.
A provincial spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing its status in the courts, while the federal Justice Department has indicated it is reviewing the statement of claim to determine appropriate next steps. Manitoba Hydro has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
The statement of claim alleges that Manitoba Hydro, along with the provincial and federal governments, were aware of the vulnerabilities in the First Nation's electrical supply. It asserts that they failed to act on numerous warnings issued over the years and did not assist the community in preparing adequately for a prolonged winter outage.
The claim emphasizes that the defendants should have known that a winter power outage on the reserve would lead to significant public health, housing, water, sewage, safety, and evacuation emergencies. "The defendants knew, or ought to have known, that a prolonged winter power outage on the reserve would not be a mere inconvenience. It would create a public health, housing, water, sewage, safety and evacuation emergency," the lawsuit states.
The statement also details repeated warnings issued to Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government between 2018 and 2025 concerning unreliable service, the risks associated with winter repairs, inadequate emergency power, and the necessity for a secondary power line. "The warning signs were there for many years," noted Jeremy McKay, one of the lawyers representing the First Nation.
Additionally, the proposed class action seeks an order from the courts for Ottawa to promptly approve and fund a new water treatment facility after the existing one in the community was rendered inoperable as a result of the outage.

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