WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s ombudsman has agreed to look into the purchasing of flood-fighting equipment for First Nations.
Charlene Paquin said she aims to ensure proper procedures were followed in the decision to help reserves get flood-fighting equipment.
The government issued a tender last December for $5 million worth of the equipment to help First Nations in the Interlake region.
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READ MORE: Manitoba premier welcomes probe into contract
An anonymous whistleblower complaint, filed with the provincial ombudsman last fall, alleged cabinet minister Steve Ashton pushed to have the contract awarded to a company that supplies water-filled tubes called Tiger Dams.
The whistleblower alleged two officials from the company have been Ashton campaign contributors and Ashton wanted to bypass the normal requirement to allow other companies to bid on the work.
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Premier Greg Selinger has said the matter was discussed by cabinet and he directed that the contract be up for open bidding, which it was.
The Opposition Progressive Conservatives have called for an investigation, saying public money was involved.
The ombudsman’s office has limited powers, as it can investigate government workers and departments, but not politicians.
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