$15M commitment for Inuit Art Centre still in limbo, but Manitoba minister promises answer soon

The shovels are already in the ground on Memorial Boulevard, but one $15-million question looms: will the Manitoba government fund the new Inuit Art Centre or not?

NDP MLA Ted Marcelino raised thatquestion Wednesdayat the legislature. He saidthe Pallister government notified the Winnipeg Art Gallery it would know by the end of August whether to expect $15 million in funding previously committed for the project by the NDP.

"It's now December," Marcelino said.

The WAG holds the world's largest public collection of Inuit art more than 13,000 pieces which are to be put on display in the upcoming$60-million centre.

In November 2015, the previous NDPgovernment committed $15 million toward the construction of the centerat the WAG. The federal government offered up $15 million in 2016, whilethe City of Winnipeg says it will put up $5 million.

Cathy Cox became the new minister of culture, sport and heritagein August, taking over from former minister Rochelle Squires andinheritingthe Inuit Art Centrefunding decision.

"It does take a bit of time to get caught up," Cox said.

BrianPallister'sPC government placed most funding commitments under review after ousting the NDP from power in April 2016.

Cox said Wednesday the province expects to decide by year's endwhether to honour the previousfunding pledge.

"We continue to have those discussions with the Winnipeg Art Gallery," Cox said. "I hope to have an answer for you by the end of this year."

NDPLeader Wab Kinew said he finds it odd the Tories would delay the decision until the end of the month.

"It seems like they're setting the stage for a cut," Kinew said.

The WAGdeclined to comment on whether the loss of $15 million in provincial funding could jeopardizethe project.

"The Winnipeg Art Gallery is pleased to hear a decision is pending and we look forward to hearing from Minister Cox,"WAG director andCEO StephenBoryssaid in a statement.

TheInuit Art Centre has been touted as a potential tourism magnet and animportant cultural facility for Nunavut.