Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - May 22, 2005, Winnipeg, Manitoba By Helen Fallding C ANADIAN politicians insist that draining North Dakota’s Devils Lake into the Red River system would have “ disastrous consequences” in Manitoba, but scientists are hardpressed to back up the escalating political rhetoric. After almost a decade of doom- and- gloom forecasts, stopping the outlet that’s scheduled to open by early July has become one of Canada’s top priorities in relations with the United States. Prime Minister Paul Martin served notice this week that he plans to raise the issue again with U. S. President George Bush. But independent experts have remained remarkably quiet in the debate, largely because there’s little science to support either country’s position. “ There’s virtually nothing to refer to” in the way of peerreviewed literature, said Alex Salki, science co- ordinator for the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium. In a commentary in the National Post this month, Premier Gary Doer wrote that extra phosphorus flowing into Lake Winnipeg from the proposed Devils Lake outlet “ could create a layer of algae several inches thick on internationally acclaimed beaches such as Grand Beach, Victoria Beach and Winnipeg Beach.” That may be an exaggeration, since the proposed Devils Lake outlet is expected to discharge only about 20 tonnes of phosphorus annually — a tiny fraction of the estimated 6,600 tonnes already entering the lake every year. Twenty tonnes represents a typical year’s worth of growth in the amount of phosphorus heading to the lake from agriculture, sewage and industry in Canada and the United States. Continued Please see LAKE A 4 CFL REPORT CARD: Bombers earn passing grade but Stamps at head of class C4 Renaissance man Andrew Balfour, leader of Camerata Nova choral ensemble, is raising rafters of local arts scene D1 A B Moose have work cut out Coming home down 2- 0 to Chicago Wolves C1 SUNDAY M AY 22, 2005 ® FOUNDED IN 1872 The Weather / D 8 Periods of rain. Wind NW 50- 70 km/ h. High 16 — Low 12 Standoff ends Winnipeg police arrested a wanted man after a tense standoff lasting several hours at an inner- city apartment block Local A 7 Heartfelt journey Manitoban Brad Bird reflects on his 1,600- kilometre trek to raise money for the heart and stroke foundation Perspective B 1 In side Complete index on page 2 winnipegfreepress. com .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3975 Portage Avenue For brunch or dinner reservations call 885- 3330 www. assiniboiadowns. com General admission & parking always free! Live Racing: Sun & Mon 1pm Sunday & Monday feature Family Fun Days, Free Pony Rides, Petting Farm & more. Join us on Monday, May 23 to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation & enter the Atrocious Ascot Atrocities Hat contest! Live Racing Rain or Shine! No paper tomorrow The Free Press will not publish tomorrow, Victoria Day. The circulation and display advertising departments will be closed. Classified advertising will be closed today but open Monday, 1 p. m. to 3: 30 p. m., for obituary notices only at 697- 7384. The circulation department’s phone service hours today will be 6: 30 a. m. to 1 p. m. Regular office hours in all departments resume Tuesday. The Free Press and its employees wish you a safe and happy holiday. By Paul Egan SHERMAN Kreiner, founder and longtime CEO of Crocus Investment Fund, says auditor general Jon Singleton has refused to let him review a draft of Singleton’s report on Crocus, and Kreiner is worried the report will lack balance and contain inaccuracies. Kreiner, who has not spoken publicly since Crocus halted trading Dec. 10, said in an exclusive interview with the Free Press that Singleton’s officials interviewed him for more than eight hours on April 1 as part of the Crocus investigation. But unlike a large number of Crocus officers who have been connected with the fund for a much shorter time, Kreiner has not been allowed to view a draft of the report. Kreiner’s decision to break his silence, which he said he did reluctantly, further illustrates the high level of anxiety surrounding S i n g l e t o n ’ s much- anticipated report. “ I think that the purpose of providing access in advance of release is to assure that there’s accuracy,” Kreiner said. “ The decision to deny me access would be contrary to that purpose. “ I’m concerned about bias, I’m concerned about accuracy, and I’m concerned about their apparent lack of concern about accuracy.” Singleton said his policy is that only the government and officials inside the audited organization get a chance to review his reports in advance. Kreiner’s retirement was announced Dec. 10, before Singleton began his review. “ I’m satisfied the process we followed assures that we will have an accurate and balanced and reliable report at the end of the day,” said Singleton, who expects to make his report public May 30. Continued Please see KREINER A 2 By David Kuxhaus YESTERDAY’S nasty weather didn’t discourage Sherri Webster and her family who, like thousands of other hardy Manitobans, were determined to make the best of the May long weekend. Webster, along with her husband, two young sons and three dogs, set up camp at Birds Hill Park on Friday. And even though the rain came down in buckets yesterday, going home was never an option, she said. “ It never crossed our minds.” That’s not to say it wasn’t a trying day. After spending a glorious Friday night by the fire, the Websters and other campers were hit with about 30 millilitres of rain yesterday. “ It’s a test and a learning experience,” said Webster, whose family was able to string up a couple of tarps and get a fire going. Some sunshine did peek through the clouds late yesterday, but the weather is expected to turn ugly again today. Last night, a large area of rain at the Manitoba- Saskatchewan border was working its way eastward, said Jason Underwood, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. It was expected to bring about 10 millimetres of rain, along with high winds, to Winnipeg and surrounding areas. The precipitation is expected to tail off later in the day, but it’s not going to be shorts- wearing weather. Continued Please see RAIN A 2 Exclusive Interview ‘ I’m concerned about bias, I’m concerned about accuracy, and I’m concerned about their apparent lack of concern about accuracy’ — Sherman Kreiner, Crocus founder Crocus founder breaks silence Accuracy of auditor’s report worries Kreiner Slightly soggy, but happy, campers Devils Lake: Fear vs. facts Scientists hard pressed to validate political rhetoric Storms can’t dampen long weekend spirits MIKE APORIUS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Trevor Webster points out leak to ( from left) Sherri, Nicholas and Keaton. MOLLY RILEY / REUTERS Victory the stuff of legends Afleet Alex nearly stumbles to his knees after getting knocked by Scrappy T ( 15) at the top of the stretch during yesterday’s Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. Amazingly, the three- year- old colt recovered to dramatically win the second jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. Please see story on page C 1. Scary stumble in Preakness win
