WINNIPEG - The cost of an inquiry into the death of a young Manitoba girl has risen to more than $6 million -- a figure expected to climb as the hearing encounters yet another delay.
The Manitoba government has approved another $1.4 million in funding for the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry -- on top of the $4.7 million originally budgeted.
Provincial finance Minister Stan Struthers says it's important that the inquiry have enough funding to complete its task.
The inquiry is examining how child welfare failed to protect Phoenix, a former foster child who was beaten to death after social workers gave her back to her mother.
The inquiry started last fall but has been delayed several times, most recently over concerns that one lawyer is in a conflict of interest because he represents regional child-welfare authorities and some employees.
Struthers says the government is willing to put up extra money and that its priority is protecting kids.
The inquiry isn't to resume until April 15.
