September 19, 2016
Manitoba Government Welcomes Decision by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries to Cancel Downtown Relocation
Manitoba’s new government today welcomed the decision by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) to cancel the unnecessary downtown relocation and construction of a new headquarters, Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler commented today.
“Manitoba’s new government was elected on a mandate to restore prudent fiscal management to government operations,” said Schuler. “Our government asked Manitoba’s Crown corporations to review their activities to ensure they are acting in the best interests of Manitoba taxpayers.”
Once appointed, the new board of MBLL was asked by the Manitoba government to review the corporation’s procurement and tendering processes, including a specific focus on the purchase of 233 Kennedy St., which was to be renovated for use as an amalgamated head office, at a cost to Manitoba taxpayers of $75 million, Schuler noted.
Earlier today, MBLL announced the review had resulted in the cancellation of the proposed project.
“Our government is pleased that proper due diligence has demonstrated the previous government’s pursuit of this project was not in the best interests of Manitoba taxpayers and would involve activities well outside the core mandate of MBLL,” said Schuler. “We welcome this decision and expect that MBLL will continue to focus on its core responsibilities.”
Through distribution and the sale of liquor and gambling products in the province, MBLL generates revenue that is invested in provincial health care, education, public safety initiatives, and social and community services.
- 30 -