Winnipeg, MB – Today, the City of Winnipeg filed a Statement of Claim and a Notice of Motion with the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench in relation to the construction of the WPS Headquarters Project (Project), based on allegations that one or more persons involved with the Project may have engaged in fraudulent activity.
"Since taking office, I have worked diligently with my Council colleagues and our Public Service to hold people accountable and protect the interests of Winnipeg taxpayers,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Today's legal actions represent another step toward ensuring individuals are held to account."
The City has been taking steps to probe these allegations independently as best as possible with the tools available, to determine if there was sufficient evidence to proceed with legal action to recover damages. Following the announcement by the Manitoba Prosecution Service (MPS) on December 13, 2019 that no criminal charges would be laid in connection with the investigation, the City determined it is now necessary to file the Statement of Claim and Notice of Motion in order to protect the City’s interests.
“The decision by the MPS to not proceed with criminal charges did not end the matter,” said Michael Jack, Chief Corporate Services Officer for the City of Winnipeg. “The City has the right to seek damages to protect its interests when it has suffered loss or damages as a result of an alleged fraud or negligent conduct.”
In addition, the City previously filed a Statement of Claim regarding deficiencies with the construction of the Project. That Statement of Claim is still before the court and working its way through the legal system.