Manitoba is spending more than $1.2 million in order to increase the capacity of Manitoba Prosecution Services (MPS) to deal with violent crime related to serious, illegal firearms offences and organized crime.

“This increased support for prosecutions is about going after illegal guns and targeting organized crime that is causing fear in communities and victimizing Manitobans. Together with calls for federal changes to the Criminal Code on bail and other measures, meaningful steps can be taken to stop those committing violent crime in our province,” said Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

The money will fund 10 additional positions within MPS, which will increase capacity to address firearms trafficking, manufacturing and related violent crime in Manitoba.

“This funding will keep the Manitoba government’s focus firmly on issues related to the use of illegal firearms, preventing and combatting gang violence, and addressing the issue of illegal or smuggled guns in our province,” said Goertzen. “Our government has been consistent in its messaging that the federal government’s approach to gun crimes unnecessarily targets lawful gun owners while having little impact on criminals. With this support, Manitoba Prosecution Service will have additional resources and capacity to prosecute those committing serious offences with illegal firearms.”

The minister noted that violent crime is on the increase in Canada and Manitoba. These crimes are increasingly driven by street gangs and serious offenders who use a variety of weapons including firearms.