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In September 2017, the Leader-Post confirmed the RCMP investigation was close to concluding and that the matter would be forwarded to prosecutors in Manitoba for review.

In November, the RCMP confirmed its investigation was being reviewed by Manitoba prosecutors.

“We are not in a position to provide a timeline at this time as to when that process might be completed, but the RCMP is committed to advising the public as to the results when it is appropriate to do so,” said an RCMP spokesman at the time, adding “we are working with the Manitoba Crown attorney’s office on this file.”

According to the RCMP, members of the federal policing section were tasked with conducting the investigation, because they have expertise in financial crimes investigations.

The decision to lay charges or not ultimately rests with the RCMP.

A group opposing the province’s Regina Bypass project provided to the Leader-Post a letter it had received from Manitoba’s assistant deputy attorney general.

“Manitoba Justice’s involvement in this matter has concluded and any questions or concerns you may have regarding the investigation should be addressed to the Saskatchewan RCMP,” wrote Michael Mahon, in a letter dated June 1.

When contacted, the Manitoba prosecutions branch refused to provide any details and said in a statement the RCMP in Saskatchewan would be best positioned to respond to questions.

In September last year, the premier’s office issued a statement indicating, “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.”

Premier Scott Moe, elected in January, said he would decide what next steps to take regarding the GTH and the potential need for a forensic audit or public inquiry after the RCMP completes its investigations and the findings are made public.

dfraser@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/dcfraser