Manitoba Tories attack NDP over 'campaign-style' ads

For the second time in a week, the opposition is urging the government to support an auditor general (AG) investigation into what it calls the NDP's failing.

The latest is on thebudget of the government's Steady Growth Good Jobs advertising campaign.

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The Tories released freedom of information (FIPPA) documents that show the government spent $619,763.51 on the campaign between September 2014 and January 2015.

"When the government is promoting itself and its political agenda, using taxpayers dollars, to me that's unfair," PCLeader Brian Pallister said. "More importantly, that is emblematic of the kind of waste the government is putting onto Manitobans' backs far to often."

Pallister said the actual amount of money the government spent on the campaign is likely closer to $1 million by now, and that cash should be going to front line services instead.

He also said the advertising is false because he said the "steady growth" is based on forecasts by the Conference Board of Canada and not the government's record.

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The Tory Leader said the AG may find the government is conducting the campaign-style advertising in the lead up to the April 2016 provincial election.

"If that's what they're doing, they should pay for it out of NDP coffers and not out of the taxpayers' pocket," Pallister said.

The PCs said they will file a formal request for the AG investigation this week with, or without, government support.

Last week, Pallister and the Tories wrote a letter to the auditor general to investigate if thegovernment rushed construction of Investors Group Field to support itspolitical agenda.

Premier Greg Selinger has given no indication the government would support the request of either AGinvestigation.

In question period Tuesday, Selinger said all governments advertise initiatives in their budgets.