In a bid to make Manitobans feel safer at home, school, and work, the Manitoba government has hosted a public safety summit. The summit, announced by Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, aimed to discuss strategies to reduce crime, ensure community safety, and address the root causes of crime.

Premier Kinew acknowledged the growing concerns of Manitobans feeling unsafe and the increasing struggles with chronic homelessness, mental health, and addictions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to making Manitoba families feel safe in their communities and the belief in the power of unity, stating, “We believe that we can do big things if we come together as one Manitoba.”

The summit brought together a diverse group of community leaders from across Manitoba. Representatives from Indigenous leadership and organizations, law enforcement, restorative justice, victims service organizations, municipalities, advocates serving vulnerable populations, and other agencies convened to discuss shared priorities and strategies to address the root causes of crime.

Justice Minister Wiebe reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring safety for all Manitobans and highlighted the summit as part of the government’s plan to tackle crime and its root causes. He expressed the government’s interest in hearing ideas from community leaders on how to enhance safety in Manitoba.

The summit included sessions on a range of topics, including mental health, addictions, homelessness, youth violence, gender-based violence, rural and northern safety, access to justice and victim services, vandalism, theft and property crime, law enforcement, organized crime, and strengthening the Criminal Code.

Feedback from the summit will be incorporated into a province-wide strategy to reduce crime and enhance community safety. Minister Wiebe noted that he would continue to engage with stakeholders across the province throughout the spring and summer in preparation for the strategy, which is set to be released in late September.