The 2008 Manitoba Budget Address

Safer Communities

Manitobans want to feel safe in their own communities and they expect there will be appropriate consequences for acts of violence and organized crime.

Manitoba has been a strong voice for change at the national level. We have pressed the federal government to make needed changes to the federal Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act, including stricter measures for dangerous offenders, stricter bail conditions, mandatory prison sentences for those who commit gun crimes, and action on impaired driving.

A strong police presence in our communities is a key factor in both deterring and responding to crime. Our government has worked to increase police officers throughout Manitoba. Since 1999, 155 police positions have been added throughout Manitoba and we have committed to add another 100 during this mandate.

Mr. Speaker, today’s budget commits resources for 20 positions, including 10 for Winnipeg and 2 for Brandon.

We will continue to work with the RCMP to increase their presence in Manitoba. The recent federal announcement will help make further improvements in coming years.

Budget 2008 also provides funding for:

• a new Mediation Services pilot project;
  
  
• two additional Crown prosecutors; and
  
  
• additional staff for the Milner Ridge Correctional Centre which is being upgraded and expanded.

Well-targeted crime reduction strategies that balance enforcement and prevention do make a difference. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the work of the Auto Theft Task Force, auto thefts in Winnipeg in the first three months of 2008 are down 46%.

Manitobans also expect that we will address the roots of crime, and our government has invested in prevention strategies that focus on helping youth at risk make more positive choices in their lives.

We have committed more than $40 million through Neighbourhoods Alive! to support community-driven neighbourhood revitalization projects, including crime reduction and public safety. Budget 2007 announced the expansion of the Neighbourhoods Alive! program to five additional communities: Flin Flon, The Pas, Dauphin, Portage la Prairie and Selkirk. Budget 2008 provides new resources for this successful program.

This year will also see the expansion of the Lighthouses program to provide five additional locations where young people can take part in sports, arts, music and other activities.