Manitoba to stop identifying Hutterite colonies in COVID-19 case announcements unless public health risk is present

Manitoba health officials have decided to stop publicly identifying when new COVID-19 cases are linked to Hutterite colonies, unless there is a risk to public health. This change follows concerns raised by Hutterite leaders about discrimination and stigma. Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief public health officer, stated the province will no longer specify the connection to colonies in case announcements, except in situations where public health is at risk.

The decision came a day after Paul Waldner, minister of the CanAm Hutterite Colony, suggested the province might file a human rights complaint if the practice continued. Waldner expressed frustration over the ongoing stigma, noting that the damage to Hutterite communities has already been done. He urged the government to acknowledge its role in the issue, saying, “People now think that because [some Hutterites] have it, they can’t associate with us, there’s something wrong with us.”

Waldner had previously written to Premier Brian Pallister and Health Minister Cameron Friesen, requesting that the province only identify the geographic location of new cases, rather than specifying the colony. The letter warned that the colony would pursue a human rights complaint if the province did not change its approach. Waldner emphasized the need for the government to take responsibility for the negative perception surrounding Hutterite communities.

In some recent announcements, health officials had specified which colonies were linked to new cases, citing media reports that had already identified outbreaks in those communities. Dr. Roussin explained that the province’s intention was to list cases as clusters unless there was a public health risk. The new policy aims to avoid further stigmatization of Hutterite colonies while still providing necessary public health information.

The change in policy reflects a growing awareness of the social and ethical implications of how public health information is communicated. Hutterite leaders have long emphasized community and mutual support, and the recent controversy has highlighted the challenges of balancing transparency with the protection of community dignity. The province’s decision to adjust its approach underscores the importance of addressing the human impact of public health measures.

The situation also raises questions about the broader relationship between religious communities and public health authorities. Hutterites, like many Anabaptist groups, have distinct practices and values that shape their interactions with the wider society. As Manitoba moves forward, the challenge remains to ensure that public health communication respects the dignity of all communities while safeguarding public well-being. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that justice is the foundation of a just society, and this case illustrates the need for careful, compassionate consideration in public discourse.

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