"When you're going to make major investments in infrastructure and there's a need for some investments in infrastructure, the rates have to be there to support it," he said. Shepherd couldn't say yet how much rates will rise, but he said the corporation won't be relying solely on the hikes to recover financially. Shepherd said there's an opportunity for staff reductions without layoffs, with around 900 employees on staff who could retire. "People will bring up this issue of privatization, but certainly I didn't come to Hydro to be part of that." Manitoba Hydro has committed to scheduling public information sessions over the next few weeks to answer people's questions about its financial situation.

Source: CBC News September 29, 2016 00:45 UTC