View From the Legislature

As the increasing level of crime across the country continues to be a concern and focus for Canadians, more and more discussion circles around the need for greater options when it comes to law enforcement. This discussion is taking place equally in rural and urban areas.

For example, in Winnipeg, Mayor Scott Gillingham campaigned on a platform that included increased security presence on City of Winnipeg buses. However, policing resources in Winnipeg are already stretched thin and there needs to be additional options made available to fulfil this commitment. Already Manitoba has a community safety officer (CSO) program, but the scope of their authority is relatively limited. However, new legislation that is currently before the Manitoba Legislature would expand the scope and authority of CSOs and provide new community safety options for municipalities.

While this legislation would benefit the City of Winnipeg in its desire to have greater security on transit buses, it is also supported by rural municipalities as well. Much of rural Manitoba is policed by the RCMP. While Manitobans greatly appreciate and value the RCMP, an ongoing shortage of RCMP officers being trained has led to high vacancy rates and a strain on local detachments that are already policing vast areas in many cases. While Manitoba and all provinces that rely on the RCMP have repeatedly called on Ottawa to increase the training numbers, the shortage of RCMP officers is not expected to improve soon.

Partially as a result of this shortage, and the desire to have some policing functions handled in alternative ways, rural municipalities have called for the expanded role of community safety officers. This will provide more community safety options in their municipalities and regions.

While the increased options for policing in both rural communities and urban centres is welcomed, it also comes with the need for better and consistent training standards. Currently in Manitoba, there are a variety of police training options depending on the police agency and the type of designation being sought. In some cases, police officers go out of province to receive the training they need. While Manitoba officers’ benefit from quality training, there is a desire to see a consistent standard of training across the province. This is particularly important as layered policing alternatives come into place.

To help lead this important work, the province engaged with former Winnipeg Chief of Police Devon Clunis late last year to coordinate this effort. This past week, Mr. Clunis updated Manitobans on the team of individuals that he is working with and the community engagement that is being undertaken as part of that work. The goal will be to establish a public safety training strategy that will consist of a common curriculum, cultural components, training delivery options and facilities.

As Manitoba looks to expand community safety options and better training, it is focused on meeting the needs that exist today while keeping an eye toward the future of policing and the expectations of the public for a safe community. I look forward to continuing to work with municipal partners, law enforcement agencies and community groups on this initiative and to updating you as they continue to develop.