Pallister says Tories cleaning up after NDP ‘social’

Open to more openness

Premier Brian Pallister promised Wednesday to try to do a better job about keeping his promises of openness and transparency.

While speaking with reporters, he acknowledged that his government has not made public the $740,000 value for money audit conducted by KPMG — so far releasing only a four-page summary.

“There are things we’ve learned in this process,” he said, adding he didn’t know ahead of time that the report would contain proprietary information.

“It’s owned by the company hired to help us — I didn’t know that going in. To be fair, we’ve released more information than any government in the history of Manitoba.”

The premier also said he wants to make public as much information as he can on the IGF stadium situation, but is not aware yet how much he can divulge. The stadium, on which the province is a partner, is undergoing more than $20 million in repairs, sparking legal action against the architect and builder.

“I want to inquire as to why that information can’t be made public,” Pallister said.

The premier reiterated that he won’t call a public inquiry into the conduct of city politicians and employees in the new police headquarters while an RCMP investigation continues, but wouldn’t rule out creating one after the investigation is closed.

The members of Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative caucus have been assigned their talking points and are spreading the word far and wide about the wonders of last week’s provincial budget.

They’re posting on Facebook and tweeting up a storm.

But they’re not spending public money to tout the budget.

On the anniverary of the 2016 election, Premier Brian Pallister told the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Wednesday morning that spending to promote the government is part of the NDP past.

“We have record investments in promoting Manitoba, rather than the government of Manitoba,” said Pallister.

Said Olivia Baldwin-Valainis, Pallister’s director of communications and stakeholder relations: “Our government made a commitment to change course from the previous administrations high self-promotion and advertising costs. We are pursuing different channels of communication, including an enhanced focus on social media, to get our message out.”

Pallister spoke to the Mnaitoba Chamber of Commerce in Winnipeg Wednesday morning, and addresses a Brandon Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting Thursday.

“We also have the benefit of a strong government caucus of 39 MLAs who return to their constituencies each week to attend local meetings and events. They are always available to discuss government initiatives with their constituents,” she said.

Baldwin-Valainis said that the caucus members’ talking points include:

Inherited challenges — Manitoba was on a path to a $1.7 billion deficit if the previous government’s structural deficit had been left unaddressed.

Protecting front line services — Manitoba’s government is focusing resources where it matters most – in health care, supports for families and education – all of which see funding increases in Budget 2017 for targeted investments in primary health care services, quality affordable housing, child care spaces, and reducing barriers to post-secondary education for low-income students.

Rebuilding our economy – Manitoba’s government is focused on ensuring an affordable and competitive environment that welcomes innovation and attracts investment.