The provincial government unveiled a new safety strategy today, one they say will address violent crime and retail theft in all regions of the province while still focusing on the root causes of crime.
According to Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, the new Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy includes everything from more money for municipal police officers to increased funding for mental health supports.
“Manitobans know that to see real change we must address crime and the causes of crime,” said Wiebe. “That’s what this strategy is all about. Right now, we have the chance to turn things around for the better. This strategy is just the beginning, to provide a new path forward for everyone in Manitoba to feel safe.”
Some of the main points of the plan include extending the Retail Crime Initiative and making it permanent by funding 12 new police officers in Winnipeg dedicated to community policing, and a two per cent increase in funding for municipal law enforcement.
Notably for WestMan residents, the new safety strategy also includes a new Centre for Justice in Dauphin that includes culturally appropriate supports, educational resources and vocational training.
Also in the strategy is hiring 100 new mental health workers to work alongside first responders to help those going through mental health crises, working with MADD on strengthening drunk driving laws, and expanding the electronic monitoring program outside of Winnipeg and enhancing protection order enforcement in rural areas.
“We believe in creating pathways to success rather than pipelines to prison by empowering and supporting our youth and preventing people leaving prison from reoffending,” said Wiebe. “The justice system shouldn’t be the end of the road for Manitobans. It should be the beginning of accountability and real change. We’re committed to ensuring our justice system provides support for those Manitobans who are ready to turn their lives around, find meaningful work and give back to their communities.”
