May 21, 2026
Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
Department of Environment and Climate Change
450 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8
RE: Bill 21 Drinking Water Safety Amendment Act
Dear Minister Mike Moyes,
On behalf of the Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce, we are writing to express concerns regarding proposed Bill 21 and the potential impacts this legislation may have on rural businesses, agricultural producers, municipalities, and communities across southeastern Manitoba.
The Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce promotes an environment that fosters economic development, works in partnership with civic agencies, and provides value to our members through education, networking, and collaboration. Our vision is to support a strong, welcoming rural economy that encourages entrepreneurship, attracts opportunity, and enhances our region as a place to work, live, raise families, and do business. It is from this perspective that we believe Bill 21 requires further review and meaningful rural consultation.
While we recognize the importance of protecting Manitoba’s water resources and ensuring public safety, Bill 21 in its current form does not adequately reflect the realities faced by rural communities. Farms, Hutterite colonies, local businesses, and municipalities rely heavily on practical and locally managed water systems for livestock, irrigation, firefighting, and daily operations. Many of these systems are already responsibly monitored and maintained. Our members are concerned that a broad, one-size-fits-all regulatory approach could impose significant financial and operational burdens on rural Manitobans without properly considering regional differences, actual risk levels, or the essential role these systems play in supporting local economies and community sustainability.
Rural businesses are already navigating increasing pressures related to inflation, labour shortages, drought conditions, and wildfire risks. Additional regulatory requirements without clear implementation plans, practical flexibility, or financial support may unintentionally hinder economic growth and place further strain on communities working hard to remain resilient and competitive.
As an organization committed to fostering opportunity, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening rural Manitoba, we believe legislation of this magnitude must be grounded in science-based, risk-focused decision-making and developed through meaningful consultation with rural businesses, municipalities, agricultural producers, Indigenous and Métis communities, chambers of commerce, and rural stakeholders.
The recent decision to delay Bill 21 provides an important opportunity for additional engagement and collaboration. We encourage the Province of Manitoba to work directly with rural communities to ensure any future legislation protects water safety while also respecting the economic realities and long-term sustainability of rural Manitoba. We believe Manitobans deserve balanced, practical legislation that supports both public safety and the continued success of rural communities and businesses.
Sincerely,
Jason Ginter
President, Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce
cc: Konrad Narth, MLA for La Verendrye
Chuck Davidson, MCC President & CEO