The Leader of the Opposition in Manitoba is accusing the Tory government of using the COVID-19 pandemic to justify layoffs at Manitoba Hydro.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew says the layoffs, which are to last four months and affect 600 to 700 employees, could cause permanent damage to what he calls the province's "most important Crown corporation."

Last month, the Progressive Conservative government asked managers in the civil service, at Crown corporations, universities and elsewhere to draw up scenarios for temporary job cuts. 

It was announced on Monday that Hydro would be making the layoffs in response to the directive. The layoffs would result in about $11 million in savings for the utility.

The government is estimating $2 billion in extra COVID-19 response expenses and $3 billion in falling revenues.