Temporary barriers placed at legislature

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This article was published 22/07/2021 (1681 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CONCRETE barriers have been placed at entrances to the Manitoba Legislative Building, in the wake of a vehicle climbing part-way up the front steps earlier this month.

They’re not the most beautiful additions to the stately provincial capital but they’re also not permanent, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen says.

The temporary bollards were installed last week, with permanent ones taking their place “in the future,” said Friesen, who is in charge of protective services (department responsible for security at the legislature and grounds).

The barriers are part of ongoing efforts to enhance security measures, the minister said in an email Wednesday.

They were put in place after a pickup truck was driven up the front stairs of the legislature July 7. Witnesses reported the truck driving erratically towards the building and mowing down traffic cones at a construction site, though it did not hit any structures.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on site by police. He was charged with dangerous driving and mischief under $5,000. No one was injured.

“Our government solicited advice from third parties with security expertise, and these changes to security are guided by that, and guided as well by our director of security and intelligence in the Department of Justice, in collaboration with Central Services,” Friesen said.

“Other exterior and interior security considerations, like lighting and cameras, as well as a review of building practices and procedures. The safety and security of all those who work at and visit the Manitoba legislature is our key concern.”

Friesen made similar comments after statues of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth were vandalized and toppled at the legislature grounds on Canada Day.

“We have the responsibility to keep the precinct of the legislature safe for the many people who work there: not just elected officials, not just those hired by elected officials, but the many civil servants that make that place their workplace,” he said at the time.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca