Manitoba’s NDP government unveiled a new public safety strategy Thursday, including making the retail theft initiative permanent by funding 12 new city police positions.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe made the announcement at a news conference after signalling late last month that the government was considering making the anti-shoplifting program permanent.
The initiative focuses on the Exchange District, Osborne Village and West End to curb thefts and prevent violence. Provincial funding for it has been extended several times since it launched in June.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
Justice minister Matt Wiebe announces the public safety strategy at a news conference Thursday alongside Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
Other strategy initiatives include a two per cent increase in funding for municipal law enforcement, expanding the electronic monitoring program outside of Winnipeg, strengthening impaired driving legislation and enhancing protection-order enforcement in rural areas.
“Manitobans know that to see real change, we must address crime and the causes of crime,” Wiebe said in a news release Thursday.
“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.”
Other initiatives include increasing funding and training opportunities for First Nations police officers and safety officer programs, hiring 100 new mental-health workers to work alongside first responders (starting with 25 workers by the end of March) and holding a youth summit.
“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,” Wiebe said in the release.
“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.”
The public safety strategy was crafted after consultations with stakeholders, including a summit that featured representatives from 210 community groups.
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