The Manitoba government has announced additional funding to extend the ongoing retail and violent crime initiative in Winnipeg into the fall, in partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS). Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe made the announcement today.
“This partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service has gone a long way in helping Manitobans feel safe,” said Kinew. “Our government is tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. We will continue to work on long-term solutions to make our communities safer, but we are responding to address the immediate needs of businesses and residents downtown.”
The Manitoba government is providing up to $774,000 to support the WPS’s enhanced response to violence and retail crime. This includes funding for additional general patrol units to target areas of repeat crime, targeted retail theft initiatives, and engagement with business organizations and leaders to improve the safety of retailers and community members.
“Our government will always offer compassionate approaches to those struggling with addictions and mental health issues, but we will not cede any ground on public safety,” said Wiebe. “The partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service has been very successful in addressing retail crime with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the business community. Our government is pleased to provide additional funding to support these efforts as we continue to work collaboratively towards longer-term responses that benefit our community.”
John Graham, director of government relations (prairie region) for the Retail Council of Canada, expressed gratitude for the government’s investments. “The retail community is thankful for the unprecedented investments being made by the Manitoba government designed to reduce crime and enhance safety for retail employees and their customers,” said Graham. “Through the extension of this program, WPS will be able to maintain targeted retail strategies that are proving effective at responding to incidents long neglected due to competing priorities.”
The funding is in addition to the public safety basket funding provided by the province to the WPS annually.
“The Winnipeg Police Service is grateful for the opportunity to continue to deploy resources which allow our members to engage with the community in a way that we haven’t been able to due to high demand for service and call volumes,” said Supt. Dave Dalal of the Winnipeg Police Service. “We have seen a real impact in these areas of focus, not only through arrests, but through the sense of safety that the officer’s presence provides to local residents and businesses.”
Justice Minister Wiebe noted that the enhanced police response to retail crime and violence is another important component of efforts to ensure core areas of Winnipeg are safe for people. Related initiatives include nearly $1.5 million from the Manitoba government, mayor’s office, and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ for the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and the development of a voluntary safe sobering centre at N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place at 190 Disraeli Fwy.
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