The Manitoba government will explore options for increased monitoring and surveillance of garbage trucks and landfills, including adding global positioning system (GPS) to the fleet, as part of a response to the murders of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, Rebecca Contois and Mashkode-Bizhiki-ikwe.
Premier Wab Kinew said Wednesday, “Manitobans were devastated by the most disturbing crimes that have ever been committed in our province. In addition to the search preparations underway at the Prairie Green Landfill, our government is committed to taking further action by exploring GPS monitoring to help police investigate crimes, while ensuring Indigenous lives are given the value and dignity they deserve.”
The formal request for proposals (RFP) seeks a qualified service provider with comprehensive knowledge of the waste management industry and technology solutions to review the feasibility study’s recommendations, which included installing video surveillance at the entrances and exits of landfills, and equipping garbage trucks with GPS to track their location and rear-facing cameras to allow operators to see what is being unloaded. The review will include working in collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said, “For years, we’ve heard from MMIWG2S+ families calling for this kind of surveillance. Our government has been listening. This is one more step we are taking to help to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Following the review, the consultant would then identify appropriate, effective technological and operational opportunities for government’s consideration to enhance the monitoring of materials brought to landfills. The process is anticipated to be completed by summer 2025, noted the premier.
“The Myran and Harris families are both incredibly grateful to know that our calls have been heard, as we have pushed for this work, endlessly,” said Cambria Harris and Jorden Myran, co-chairs of Manitoba’s Landfill Search Oversight Committee. “Our families look forward to continuing this work, as there are still many calls from the MMIWG2S+ families in the dark that deserve to be heard as we push for a better future for all.”
The request for services will be posted to MERX at www.merx.com.
