Winnipeg councillors vote to hand over info to RCMP
RCMP also want access to city real estate deals targeted in audit
RCMP will be able to ask city lawyers for information that would normally be considered confidential as police continue their investigation into whether criminal laws were broken in city deals.
The RCMP asked city administration for further access to files and the opportunity to interview city staff. Acting COO Michael Jack told reporters today the RCMP requested greater access in relation to the city's fire paramedic station building program.
"What triggered this request was specifically with respect to the firehalls," he said Wednesday.
He said city council's vote would allow the RCMP to follow up on files connected to the city's real estate audit. and the construction of the police headquarters.
Jack wouldn't say whether police have now broadened their criminal investigation.
"We're not saying this is a criminal investigation," he said. "They're simply asking to speak with people and look at documents. That's the most they've told us."
On Wednesday, Winnipeg city council voted unanimously to allow city lawyers to waive solicitor-client privilege, giving police greater access.
Police launched the investigation after an audit of the building project provided enough evidence for a full probe.
In December, police raided the offices of the main contractor working on the new police headquarters.
Mayor Brian Bowman moved that council vote on the motion directly, without having it go through the city's executive policy committee.
"We've been co-operating with the RCMP since taking office and this is really just a continuation of our efforts to work co-operatively with the RCMP in regards to their important efforts," he said. "This was something that needed to go to council in order to provide the direction from council to our legal counsel to assist them to speak freely with the RCMP so that they can do their work."
Bowman wasn't able to say at what stage the RCMP investigation is at.
"The RCMP haven't provided me with any briefing. We're waiting, like Winnipeggers, for the results of their work."
Bowman says he knows however, that it is continuing.
"My understanding is there have been ongoing interviews by members of the public service. In terms of who and the numbers, I'm not able to provide that," he said.
The RCMP have only acknowledged publicly an investigation into the construction of the new police headquarters.