Why has Peter Nygard not been charged in Manitoba?

With Peter Nygard being charged in Ontario and in the United States, many are wondering why he has never been charged in Manitoba, considering that there have been accusations of sexual assault going back to 1977 (and with some recent evidence showing that this may even date back to 1968 in Manitoba). My question on Friday November 26th and the Minister's response are below (from Hansard).

Peter Nygård Assault Allegations
Inquiry into Filing Charges in Manitoba

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, with allegations of sexual assault against Peter Nygård dating back to 1977–44 years ago–why was there not a proper investigation and charges laid against Peter Nygård many years ago in Manitoba?

We have women from Manitoba who have come forward. We have excellent investigators in our city and RCMP forces.

I ask the Minister of Justice: When was the first investigation into Peter Nygård started in Manitoba, and is there a possibility that, at some point in the investigation, someone higher up prevented the investigation from proceeding further?

Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the Liberal leader and the member for River Heights know better than this. They know the fundamental premise on which our system is grounded is the very fact of judicial independence.

Those members know that there are very serious charges against an accused right now. Those charges are complex and heard in multiple jurisdictions. It is involving things like extradition orders. We know it would be completely inappropriate to comment in this place or reflect on the work of police, of the judicial branch, of the prosecution services. This court–the courts will decide the case, not the member for River Heights.

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The Gerrard Report

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