NDP MLA ousted from cabinet partly over lie to legislature

Manitoba's NDP government said Tuesday former cabinet minister Christine Melnick was removed from cabinet partly because she lied to the legislature.

Melnickhad denied she ordered a senior bureaucrat last year to invite immigrants and support workers to the legislature for a debate.

• Premier accused of ducking questions on Melnick controversy

The province's admission comes after the ombudsman's report last week that said Melnick did in fact order the bureaucrat to make the invitation.

• Manitoba premier stays mum on Melnick controversy

Melnick was shuffled out of cabinet in October, when she lost the immigration and multiculturalism portfolio.

A government spokesperson saidMelnick'smisleading the legislature was one of a number of factors that contributed to her losing her cabinet post.

• Manitoba premier brings new faces to cabinet

Manitoba's opposition continued its call for an inquiry to investigate Melnick's conduct.

Progressive Conservative leader, Brian Pallister, said it's even more necessary now.

"We've called on the premier to call for a house committee to investigate this issue," he said Tuesday.

"Because I believe that what we're dealing with here is not just a cover-up, but a cover-up of a cover-up."

Pallister said Manitobans deserve to know what Premier Greg Selinger knew about the matter.

A government spokeperson said Melnick has apologized.