Mayor defends newly posted safety adviser job

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This article was published 26/03/2025 (228 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg’s mayor has started his search for an expert adviser who can help analyze and prevent crime.

A job posting for the new senior adviser on public safety, who would directly advise the mayor, was published online Wednesday.

“The key is that this individual has the experience and the knowledge to collaborate with the police, other agencies and the police board to drive down crime rates,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “I want this individual to bring forward ideas, initiatives and partnerships to reduce crime in our city.”

He said Winnipeggers ranked crime as their No. 1 concern during 2025 budget consultations.

The adviser will be required to connect with multiple police agencies, help develop a 911 mental health response unit, analyze crime data, help create crime-prevention policies, assist communications on safety and track progress on crime-prevention initiatives.

“I want Winnipeg to be safer for residents, for business owners, for visitors,” said Gillingham.

The mayor stressed the city will continue to advocate for federal bail reform to reduce the number of repeat violent offenders on the street.

The successful candidate’s salary would be based on experience.

Meanwhile, some argue the new position may not be the most effective way to reduce crime.

Kevin Walby, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Winnipeg, said the city should reach out to community members to seek feedback on safety initiatives. He fears the adviser will focus on policing instead.

“We already have… multiple layers of policing that is not really addressing any of the social and economic issues that we have in the city that do lead to transgression,” said Walby.

He said the city would be better off investing more money in prevention and community supports.

“I would change the funding equation so that it’s going right to community development,” said Walby, citing outreach programs, youth services and recreation as good investments. “Those groups, they’re scrambling for funding (while) all the layered policing agencies keep getting topped up.”

Brandon Trask, an assistant professor of law at the University of Manitoba, said he believes an advisory panel would be a better investment for the city than adding a full-time municipal employee.

“An advisory panel would be far more economical and would result in helpful input from people with diverse relevant perspectives… No single individual is going to have all the answers,” said Trask.

He said the city position appears suited to candidates who have a policing background, which he doesn’t believe is the best option.

“You can’t police your way out of mental health and addiction issues. You can’t police your way out of socioeconomic issues,” said Trask.

By contrast, Coun. Markus Chambers, chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board, said he thinks the adviser would be well-positioned to address both gaps in policing and social causes of crime.

“We need somebody that can straddle that element of policing and look at the social determinants (of crime) as well and provide input on what strategies are necessary,” said Chambers.

In an email, the mayor’s office said the city will continue to invest in crime prevention, including $1 million budgeted for new youth recreation programs in high-needs neighbourhoods this year. That’s in addition to funding for the Downtown Y and community outreach groups, said spokesman Colin Fast.

Gillingham said he’s open to getting input from multiple sources, but believes a dedicated adviser is still needed.

“An advisory panel wouldn’t be sitting in my office every day, working directly with me to have ongoing dialogue. I’m not saying we can’t reach out to advisory panels, but I need someone who is on this 24/7,” he said.

The job posting seeks a candidate with experience in government, justice and/or public safety, a “demonstrated interest in crime prevention,” understanding of the criminal legal system and strong communication skills.

It states candidates should also have a strong understanding of “Winnipeg’s political and community dynamics with respect to First Nations and Indigenous communities, the social sector, the health sector, and their critical roles and needs with respect to public safety outcomes.”

Candidates must be willing to complete criminal and/or security checks prior to a final interview.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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