RCMP close to finishing GTH probe

Sources say Manitoba prosecutors will determine if charges are laid

The RCMP says it is “close to concluding the investigation into the land transaction of the Global Transportation Hub.”

Sources say Saskatchewan’s prosecutions branch will turn the matter over to prosecutors in Manitoba to consider whether or not charges are warranted. Sources also say it is possible that a draft report of the investigation is already in the hands of prosecutors.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Prosecutions said in a statement that, “We do not confirm whether or not matters have been referred to us for Crown opinions.”

The investigation into the GTH deals — which saw two businessmen connected to the Saskatchewan Party profit off of land purchases made by the government at inflated prices — has been ongoing since at least April 2016.

“Members of the federal policing section were tasked with conducting the investigation, as they have expertise in the financial crimes investigations,” said the RCMP’s Staff Sgt. Rob Embree.

In a statement, the premier’s office said, “when the RCMP conclude their work, they provide the information to the Justice Ministry.

“At that point it is up to Prosecutions whether they send it out of province to be reviewed or not. Prosecutions is completely independent from government, therefore government does not ‘ask’ or ‘order’ them to handle cases in a specific way.”

In August 2016, the Leader-Post reported exlandowners concerned over the deals had spoken with RCMP officers. But the RCMP did not confirm or deny the investigation was ongoing until Wednesday.

Premier Brad Wall has suggested more than once his government would consider taking further action, which could include a provincial inquiry, regarding the GTH in order to ensure the public has confidence in what happened.

“I want all of the answers on the table to the satisfaction of the people whom I serve, whom we all serve. But we’re going to let the RCMP do their work,” he said earlier this month.

At that time, the premier told reporters he had an “extensive” and “thorough” discussion with RCMP officers about the matter.

Former Kindersley MLA Bill Boyd said in August he had spoken with RCMP officers “a number of weeks ago.”

Progressive Conservative Leader Rick Swenson, who was integral in bringing the GTH land deals to the public eye, spoke with RCMP as recently as this summer.

Provincial auditor Judy Ferguson, who concluded taxpayers overpaid for the GTH land, told reporters in November police were investigating.