The NDP government plans to introduce legislation this month to further control the sales of machetes.
House leader Nahanni Fontaine made the announcement in a news release Wednesday, as the fall session of the legislative assembly begins.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe alluded to a possible crackdown on machetes this summer after Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseu renewed a call to regulate sales of the weapon in the wake of recent attacks. The call came after a woman was attacked with a machete in June and a man was severely injured weeks later.
“Our government is very concerned about the appalling use of machetes to commit violent crimes,” Wiebe said in a statement to the Free Press on Aug. 8.
“We look forward to the coming legislative session and the opportunity to share more about the specific measures we will take to ensure these weapons don’t fall into the wrong hands.”
A 15-year-old boy was attacked by two suspects wielding one or more machetes on Selkirk Avenue on Aug. 7. The victim suffered amputated fingers, two broken arms, skull fractures and serious cuts to his arms, back and face. The boy needed more than 20 hours of emergency surgery. Two teen boys are charged in the incident, and in an attack on an 80-year-old man on Pritchard Avenue on Aug. 4. Machetes and an ax were used in that attack, which also involved a 12-year-old female suspect.
Fontaine said legislation to “restore autonomy to municipalities” will also be put before the assembly this month. Premier Wab Kinew said in late August his government was planning to let municipalities decide whether they will opt in or out of the controversial Plan 20-50. If approved, the plan would guide collaboration among Winnipeg and 17 surrounding municipalities on everything from land use to recreation over the next 30 years.
“Our government is ready to get back to work on a strong and free Manitoba where everyone has a path to success,” Fontaine said in the release. “Returning to session will allow us to continue to advance the priorities that matter to Manitobans.”
Other legislation set to be considered by the assembly includes bills to improve labour laws by banning replacement workers, making it easier to join a union, establishing an independent seniors’ advocate, strengthening environmental laws and “protecting Manitoba Hydro,” the release said.
Machetes are legal to buy in Manitoba.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca