The opposition is calling for the resignation of NDP Infrastructure minister Steve Ashton over an alleged conflict of interest in the purchase of flood protection equipment. The PC party says the Manitoba government spent millions of dollars for equipment from the owner of a company that has close ties to Ashton and that Ashton tried to circumvent the treasury board.

Premier Greg Selinger says there are procedures in place to deal with any perceived conflict of interest issues in government.
"I have said if there is any perceived conflict of interest, that should be reported to the commissioner of elections in Manitoba and Manitoba Elections. If it's reported, then there could be an investigation as required."

The complaint about Ashton was filed by a whistle blower who claims that Ashton made a $5 million funding commitment to purchase the flood fighting equipment but had not received approval by Treasury Board. It was also alleged the purchasing commitment was made without a tendering process and that the minister influenced the selection of the contracting company.
The Manitoba ombudsman investigated the complaint but was unable to determine if the allegations were accurate.

In other news this week, the Manitoba government unveiled its plan to modernize the province's post secondary education system. The strategy contains system-wide innovations and new partnerships to expand and enhance learning options. Premier Selinger says they want to make sure that post secondary education is more accessible to young people so that they can make a good living in Manitoba.

"It's going to have more online courses that will offer more flexibility. It will have the ability to transfer credits from one institution to another without having to start over again. The idea is that there are no wrong doors. If you start something and want to move to a different experience or training, you will be able to take your credits with you."

 

Manitoba has seen a 45 percent increase in university enrollment and 51 percent rise in college enrollment over the last 15 years.

Meanwhile, the province unveiled a new four-point plan for indigenous education this week. Premier Selinger says the government is moving forward on a new First Nation, Métis and Inuit education policy framework to ensure all Manitoba students learn about the histories, cultures and traditional values of indigenous peoples..

"To teach, for example, about the residential schools experience known as the 60's Scoop where many native children were removed from their families. We want to make sure everyone understands the history of that."

Selinger says education is the best way to create understanding, acceptance and friendship so that we can all live together and respect each other.