Manitoba exploring GPS monitoring for garbage trucks

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The Manitoba government announced plans to explore increased monitoring and surveillance of garbage trucks and landfills as part of a response to the murders of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode-Bizhiki-ikwe.

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Premier Wab Kinew and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, the minister responsible for women and gender equity, made the announcement Wednesday.

The proposed measures include adding global positioning system (GPS) technology to the fleet of garbage trucks to aid police investigations. Kinew emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous lives are respected and that further action is being taken beyond the ongoing search preparations at the Prairie Green Landfill.

“Manitobans were devastated by the most disturbing crimes that have ever been committed in our province,” said Kinew in a press release. “Our government is committed to exploring GPS monitoring to help police investigate crimes, while ensuring Indigenous lives are given the value and dignity they deserve.”

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A formal request for proposals (RFP) has been issued to find a service provider with expertise in waste management and technology solutions. The review will consider recommendations from a feasibility study, including installing video surveillance at landfill entrances and exits, equipping garbage trucks with GPS to track their location, and adding rear-facing cameras to monitor materials being unloaded.

The review process will involve collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

The consultant selected through the RFP will be tasked with identifying technological and operational opportunities for the government to enhance the monitoring of landfill operations. The process is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

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Cambria Harris and Jorden Myran, co-chairs of Manitoba’s Landfill Search Oversight Committee, expressed gratitude for the government’s response.

“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,” they said in the release. “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 initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address the needs of families affected by violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people, and to improve safety and accountability in waste management operations across the province.

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