The Manitoba government will permanently fund a program aimed at reducing shoplifting – Canada News

Photo: The Canadian Press

Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Manitoba, Minister responsible for the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, is sworn in by Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville during a Prime Minister and Cabinet swearing-in ceremony in Winnipeg.

The Manitoba government says it will now provide permanent funding for 12 new police officers in Winnipeg as part of its public safety strategy.

Funding for the program was temporary under the province’s Retail Crime Initiative, but will now be long-term to address the increase in shoplifting and violent crime in some parts of Manitoba’s capital.

The province previously allocated $1.1 million to allow police to work overtime at hotspots in Winnipeg, such as stores and malls.

The change is part of a number of initiatives announced by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe to combat crime across the province.

There is also a two per cent increase in funding for municipal law enforcement, and the electronic monitoring program will be expanded beyond Winnipeg.

The government also plans to strengthen drunk driving laws and hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside first responders.