Tories ask auditor general to investigate woes at Winnipeg’s stadium

The new home to the Blue Bombers is set to open in Winnipeg on the University of Manitoba campus.

Manitoba's Opposition is officially asking the auditor general to investigate the construction problems that plagued Investors Group Field.

Last month in a lawsuit, builder Stuart Olson alleged the stadium was rushed for political purposes and that it raised 500 red flags during construction that were dismissed or ignored over budget restraints.

The province has bankrolled the majority of the stadium project that has seen extra costs over drainage issues and cracks in the building's concrete.

The Conservatives said if the Auditor General does not probe the stadium issue, they will do their own investigation if they form the next government.

Provincial Infrastructure Minister Steve Ashton said he would welcome a probe by the auditor general.

Ashton also denies the stadium was rushed for political gain, pointing out construction was delayed beyond the 2011 election.

Premier Greg Selinger said he's not afraid of any audit into the construction of Investors Group Field and defended the project.

"The auditor general is an independent officer. They are completely free to investigate any of these things. We have no problem with that," Selinger said Thursday.

"We're very proud of the building. We think it's making a big contribution to Winnipeg."

Selinger said he can't comment on the lawsuit but "obviously everyone wanted to get it built" because the old stadium "had some real risks attached to it."

- with files from The Canadian Press