Manitoba premier stays mum on Melnick controversy

Manitoba Premier GregSelingeris still not answeringspecific questions about accusations one of his former ministerslied to the legislature.

• Manitoba Tories want inquiry into former immigration minister
• Liberal wants answers from Selinger on staged immigration event

Selingerdeclined an interview request following a public eventat the legislature on the weekend.He has yet to respond to revelations contained in an ombudsman'sreport last Wednesday.

The report says former immigration minister ChristineMelnickdid, in fact, order a senior bureaucrat to invite immigrants andservice agencies to a legislature debate critical of the federalgovernment.

The finding contradicts whatMelnicktold the legislature lastyear, when she said no one told the bureaucrat to send outtheinvitations.

Opposition Leader BrianPallistersays there are many unansweredquestions, such as how long has Premier GregSelingerknown thetruth.

Pallisterwants a legislature committee inquiry to be launched.

The government saysMelnickhas apologized for anymisunderstanding, and that should put the matter to rest.