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The mayors of Winnipeg and Thompson say their attempts to meet with Premier Brian Pallister were denied in recent weeks, leaving key issues unresolved.

Bowman said his meeting request relates to $7.9 million of promised Southwest Transitway funds the province has yet to pay.

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“We just want them to honour the existing agreement … before we contemplate next steps that could involve potential legal action,” said Bowman. “I think sitting down with the premier would be advisable. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been willing to sit down.”

The mayor said he’s met with provincial ministers but the matter warrants the premier’s attention.

“When you do reach impasses that go on for well over a year … and payments still aren’t being made, I think it’s time for the premier to, obviously, make himself available so we can try to resolve it,” said Bowman.

Thompson Mayor Dennis Fenske said he’s tried unsuccessfully to meet with the premier for months over economic concerns, including a mining cutback set to cost his community 700 jobs.