Prioritizing safety for Manitobans this summer

Concordia

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/08/2025 (255 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Our NDP government firmly believes all Manitobans deserve to feel safe in their communities. This summer, as you and your family enjoy the warm weather, you can rest assured that we are taking real action to keep our province safe.

Safety begins at home. Last year, we announced funding for our security rebate program which offers up to $300 for Manitobans to invest in security systems to keep themselves and their community safe. Due to popular demand, we are bringing back the security rebate, as well as adding an additional rebate for businesses, so more Manitobans can save money while protecting their homes, families and livelihoods.

It’s also important for people to feel safe when heading downtown for a Sea Bears game, enjoying a festival with your loved ones, or heading to work early in the morning. For this reason, our government developed a “summer safety plan” with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) to ensure we create a vibrant downtown where every Manitoban can feel safe. The DCSP specializes in criminal detection and prevention, community safety and engagement, as well as providing mental health and addiction supports.

Our NDP government understands that in order to be tough on crime, we also need to be tough on the root causes of crime. This means that to keep our communities safe, we need to ensure everyone has the support they need to succeed. This includes investments in our kids, such as “Nello’s Law” that ensures every child in school has food to eat. Supporting kids in school creates a brighter future for them and ensures they are provided pathways to success rather than pipelines to prison.

Being tough on the root causes of crime also includes the release of “Your Way Home”, a strategy my colleague, Minister Bernadette Smith, announced recently which details our plan to bring Manitobans living in encampments off our streets and into homes. When Manitobans are ready to turn their lives around, it is vital that they have a government behind them that supports them and wants them to succeed as they continue to make good choices.

These initiatives are starting to have a real impact on our communities. In its recent update, Statistics Canada reported that crime has decreased in Manitoba this year. Likewise, the Winnipeg Police Service stats showed the first decline in crime in years. While the previous government refused to invest in safety initiatives or provide law enforcement with the supports and resources they need to keep us safe, our government is taking a different approach.

While there is still a lot of work to be done, I am proud to be part of a government that prioritizes the safety of Manitobans. As always, you can reach my team by email at matt.wiebe@yourmanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-654-1857.