The Manitoba government is bolstering community safety and youth engagement with over $200,000 in funding through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. The investments will support a range of initiatives across the province, from providing sports equipment to enhancing police training and equipment.

“Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their community,” stated Minister Wiebe. “This funding will support several important initiatives, including those that will help Manitobans build community and feel safe while they enjoy public parks. It will also support law enforcement with enhanced equipment and training. Our government is committed to tackling crime and the causes of crime across Manitoba and ensuring everyone feels safe close to home.”

The funding is being distributed to several local police services, including those in Ste. Anne, Springfield, Victoria Beach, Altona, Winkler, and Morden, as well as the Steinbach RCMP. The diverse projects receiving support include:

• Springfield: Funding for supplies to support high school students in the Springfield Police Service school placement program. The community will also benefit from free access to sports equipment and solar lighting installations in public parks, aimed at addressing the root causes of crime. Free events for children aged 5-12 will also be offered.
• Ste. Anne: Similar to Springfield, Ste. Anne will receive funding for free sports equipment and park lighting. The Ste. Anne Police Service will also receive modernized equipment for evidence collection.
• Altona, Morden, and Winkler: These communities will see enhanced crisis negotiation capabilities, with funding provided for equipment for the joint regional crisis negotiation unit.
• Winkler: In addition to the crisis negotiation equipment, the Winkler Police Service will receive funding for officers to attend advanced training programs focused on high-risk situations.
• Victoria Beach: The Victoria Beach Police will also receive modernized equipment for evidence collection.

Chief Marc Robichaud of the Sainte-Anne Police Service emphasized the importance of the funding. “Access to the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund enables our police service to secure advanced tools and training that strengthen our ability to combat crime,” he said. “This fund directly supports front-line officers in keeping our communities safe.”

The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund utilizes proceeds from the sale of seized criminal property. Minister Wiebe noted that the funds are distributed to organizations across Manitoba working to build community, prevent crime, invest in youth, and support victims of crime.

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