Manitoba's Opposition New Democrats are coming under scrutiny for holding an outdoor event that attracted a large crowd during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Justice Department says investigations are underway into what happened on Sunday outside Manitoba Hydro headquarters in downtown Winnipeg.

The NDP had called a news conference to announce the party was planning to delay passage of a bill that would raise hydro rates and change the Public Utilities Board.

The party gave advance notice to the union that represents striking Hydro workers, and photos from the event show several dozen people in attendance.

Manitoba NDP poised to block bill it says could undermine PUB, raise hydro rates

The Manitoba NDP says it will block a bill it believes will weaken the Public Utilities Board and give the provincial goverment "carte blanche" to set utility rates without public input.

Manitoba Hydro wouldn't directly answer questions about Jay Grewal's statements, but referred to a speech where she addressed tremendous change in the energy market where many companies may have a role in energy consumption and conservation.

Manitoba Hydro electricity tower

The NDP plans to block Bill 35 over concerns the province will raise hydro rates without the approval of an independent body.

Current public health orders limit outdoor public gatherings to a maximum of 10 people.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew says he feels it was not a violation of the health order because it was a news conference and people took precautions such as wearing masks.

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Manitoba Premier, Brian Pallister speaks to media during day 2 of the Liberal Cabinet Retreat at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Cabinet Retreat 20200119

Manitoba's tourism sector has been significantly impacted by a reduction in domestic and international travel due to COVID-19, said Premier Brian Pallister.

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Dr. Barry Lavallee, CEO, Keewatinowi Inniniw Minoayawin, administers the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Alexander Herrera, 14, at the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre in Winnipeg, Monday, May 17, 2021.

COVID Mba 20210517

NDP Leader Wab Kinew says he feels what happened Sunday did not violate health orders because it was a news conference, and people took precautions such as wearing masks.

Manitoba NDP under fire for holding event with large crowd last weekend

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