An early winter storm with heavy wet snow caused fallen trees, many on cars, and power lines in Winnipeg early Friday morning, October 11, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Hydro workers tasked with storm clean-up and power restoration across the province will be allowed to vote in Monday’s federal election.
Hydro says its workers will be able to cast ballots at polling stations in affected areas after working out a plan with Elections Canada.
“This is great news for all involved. Working with Elections Canada in Ottawa, we have been able to develop a plan to ensure our staff can vote while staying in the areas they are working in,” said Jay Grewal, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro.
Canadians who are away from their home ridings during an election are typically required to cast a ballot in advance polls or by a mail-in ballot, but given the quick timing of last week’s storm, special arrangements were made.
“We had always intended that our staff would get time off in order to participate in their election process, but this development saves hours of travel time allowing our hardworking field employees to both vote and continue to work to restoring service to our customers with a minimum of disruption.”
Manitoba Hydro says just under 5,000 customers remain without power in the Ashern, Arborg, Portage and Dauphin areas.
