UWSA strongly opposes the City of Winnipeg’s proposed bylaw prohibiting “nuisance protests”
February 13th, 2026
Last updated: January 13, 2026
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) is deeply concerned about the City of Winnipeg’s proposed Safe Access to Vulnerable Infrastructure by-law currently under consideration by the Executive Policy Committee.
Students, like all residents, have a fundamental democratic right to peaceful assembly, protest, and dissent. These rights are essential tools for marginalized communities, students, and social movements to bring attention to injustice and to advocate for social, political, and institutional change. It is our strong view that the ambiguous definition of “nuisance demonstrations” risks significantly restricting these rights in public spaces across Winnipeg, including areas where students, workers, and community members traditionally gather to express collective concerns.
We recognize the importance of public safety and respectful discourse. However, restrictions on protest must be narrowly tailored, transparent, and grounded in strong protections of civil liberties. As currently drafted, this by-law raises serious concerns about overreach, discretionary enforcement, and disproportionate impacts on Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and other historically marginalized groups who rely on protest as a means of political participation.
The UWSA calls on the City Council and the Executive Policy Committee to reconsider this proposal and to engage meaningfully with community organizations, civil liberties groups, and affected stakeholders before advancing any measures that could limit democratic participation. We further encourage students and community members to stay informed, participate in public consultations, and exercise their rights to civic engagement.
Students and community members who wish to participate in the consultation process can register to speak to the Executive Policy Committee and submit written feedback to the City Council. UWSA will continue to monitor this proposal and provide updates on opportunities for student engagement.
IMMEDIATE ACTION AND SUPPORT:
Here is the link to register as a delegate or provide a submission with feedback to the Executive Policy Committee: https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/mayor-council/council-committee-meetings/participate-meeting/register-delegation-or-submit-comments-committee-council
The deadline is noon, February 13th 2026 for any submissions for the Executive Policy Committee Meeting on 17th February 2026.
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association remains committed to defending students’ rights to organize, speak out, and participate in all aspects of public life without fear of reprisal.
Sincerely,
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA)
