The Truth About Bill 4 – The So-Called “Freedom Bill”

The Truth About Bill 4 – The So-Called “Freedom Bill”

Premier Wab Kinew and his government introduced Bill 4, commonly referred to as the “Freedom Bill”, as a supposed solution for municipalities wanting to opt out of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) Plan 20-50.

At first glance, it was presented as a win for local autonomy.

But is it really?

A closer examination of Bill 4 reveals a different reality—one filled with bureaucratic red tape, tight deadlines, and shifting responsibilities that actually make it more difficult for municipalities to leave the WMR.

Ken Drysdale and Chris Riddell will take you through the key provisions of Bill 4 and discuss what steps we need to take now!

What You Need to Know About Bill 4

👉 It Doesn’t Actually Grant Freedom. Bill 4 does not allow a simple opt-out process. Instead, it places the burden entirely on each of the 18 affected municipalities to go through a complex legal and procedural process to even apply for removal.

👉 The Burden Falls on MunicipalitiesUnder Bill 4, a municipality must:

✅ Pass a formal resolution requesting removal from the WMR
✅ Hold a public hearing following strict provincial guidelines
✅ Submit all necessary documentation within a 180-day timeframe
✅ Await ministerial approval, with no guaranteed outcome

👉 Tight Timelines & Bureaucratic HurdlesWhile the government markets this as a "freedom bill," in reality, it’s a deliberate bureaucratic trap.

180-Day Deadline – The bill states that municipalities must complete all steps within 180 days of receiving a notice from the WMR about regional planning reviews.
Public Hearing Requirements – Strict rules dictate how and when municipalities must engage residents, adding significant delays.
No Automatic Approval – Even if a municipality follows all steps, it still requires the Minister of Municipal Relations' approval to leave the WMR.

Municipalities must act NOW if they want any chance of securing their exit.

🚨 Have You Heard from Your Municipality?

Have they informed you about this bill?
Are they planning a public hearing?
Are they aware of the process required to opt out?

If the answer to these questions is no, then it's time for citizens to take action!

What Can You Do?

1️⃣ Educate Yourself – Read our full Bill 4 Analysis
2️⃣ Contact Your Municipal Officials – Demand to know what steps they are taking to opt out of the WMR.
3️⃣ Attend and Speak at Public Hearings – If your municipality holds a hearing, show up and make your voice heard!
4️⃣ Pressure Your Elected Representatives – Call your MLA and the Minister of Municipal Relations to demand fairer exit rules.
5️⃣ Spread the Word – Share this information with your neighbors, friends, and local organizations.