BANFF, Alta.—The Manitoba government urged the federal government to restore its share of funding for the justice system to maintain law and order, and protect residents of this province, Justice Minister Andrew Swan said here today.

“Manitobans deserve a fully funded justice system across the entire province that doesn’t discriminate against isolated communities, First Nations communities or the poor,” Minister Swan said.  “We are doing our part, but the federal government must reverse policies that are undermining our ability to protect Manitobans and maintain fairness in the justice system.”

The minister noted the federal government is, among other things:

• putting residents of First Nations communities at risk by cancelling funding for the Band Constable Program, which provides 31 Manitoba First Nations with front-line public safety, as of March 31, 2015.  This will force First Nations, especially those in remote locations, to rely on distant RCMP detachments that are unable to respond quickly to community needs.
• failing to commit to continuing to support the well-respected Winnipeg Drug Treatment Court program past March 31, 2015.  This court has an excellent record for diverting offenders from jail and into treatment for their addictions, with low levels of reoffending.
• failing to add any resources to the Legal Aid program since 2003, while Manitoba has added about $20 million over the same period.  Federal support for Legal Aid, which once represented 50 per cent of the cost, is now only 16 per cent of the cost.

“All Canadians deserve equal treatment and equal protection under the law,” said Minister Swan, who is attending a meeting of justice ministers from the provinces, territories and the federal government in Alberta today.  “It’s not enough to talk tough about law and order.  All levels of government have an obligation to deliver on that promise:  Manitoba has kept that promise and we need our federal partners to step up for public safety.”

While at the conference, Minister Swan will be leading a roundtable on organized crime.  Although Manitoba is recognized as the Canadian leader in combating organized crime, meeting with other jurisdictions allows the sharing of ideas and best practices from across the country, the minister noted.

– 30 –

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Manitoba’s Fight Against Organized Crime