Since the release of the scathing report by Auditor General Jon Singleton on May 30, 2005, much has been said by unit holders, members of the public, the media and the Official Opposition about the need for an Independent Public Inquiry into the collapse of the Crocus Investment Fund.

Unfortunately, the Premier and his Ministers have done everything possible to hide the truth about their role in the failed fund, which lost more than $60 Million.

In his report, the Auditor General indicated there were enough “red flags” raised to government in 2001 and 2002 to prompt the Doer Government to investigate the operations of Crocus. Instead, the government chose to do nothing, and now claims to have never seen any of the “red flags”.

Perhaps, the Premier could then explain why a former Industry Minister with his government stated that she was in the midst of preparing legislation in 2002-03 to address the “red flags” at Crocus. That same former Minister has since publicly stated that she has nothing to hide and is prepared to testify under oath at an Independent Public Inquiry. Unfortunately, the Premier is not prepared to do the same.

The Premier and his Ministers refuse to discuss Crocus or answer any questions about how much they knew in 2001, when the fund was first in trouble and its direction could still have been changed.

Is the Premier not concerned that 33,000 Manitobans have lost more than $60 Million?

Is he not concerned that it will be more difficult to raise venture capital in this Province if we don’t get to the bottom of this scandal to ensure it never happens again?

Only an Independent Public Inquiry will uncover the truth about the collapse of the Crocus Investment Fund. Ironically, only the Premier has the power to call an Independent Public Inquiry.

If you believe the Premier should call an Independent Public Inquiry, contact him at (204) 945-3726 or Toll Free at 1-800-282-8069 (ext. 3726) and let him know.