The Manitoba government is supporting a number of initiatives to engage young Manitobans and help keep communities safe with just over $200,000 of investments through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. Recipients include Ste. Anne Police and Steinbach RCMP.

“Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “This funding will support several important initiatives including ones that will help Manitobans build community and feel safe while they enjoy public parks. It will also support law enforcement with enhanced equipment and training. Our government is committed to tackling crime and the causes of crime across Manitoba and ensuring everyone feels safe close to home.”

More than $200,000 in funding has flowed to local police services in Ste. Anne, Springfield, Victoria Beach, Altona, Winkler and Morden, along with the Steinbach RCMP to support a number of public safety initiatives including:

  • funding for supplies to support high school students in the Springfield Police Service school placement program;
  • addressing the root causes of crime by offering free access to sports equipment and installing solar lighting at public parks in Ste. Anne and free events for children ages five to 12 in Springfield;
  • equipment for the Altona, Morden and Winkler police services’ joint regional crisis negotiation unit to enhance their capabilities in safely resolving incidents involving people in crisis;
  • funding for the Winkler Police Service for officers to attend training programs to advance their skills in high-risk situations; and
  • providing modernized equipment for evidence collection for the Ste. Anne Police Service and Victoria Beach Police.

“Access to the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund enables our police service to secure advanced tools and training that strengthen our ability to combat crime,” said Chief Marc Robichaud, Sainte-Anne Police Service. “This fund directly supports front-line officers in keeping our communities safe.”

The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund uses the proceeds of the sale of seized criminal property to protect Manitoba families and enhance public safety. The funds are provided to organizations across Manitoba whose important initiatives build community, prevent crime, invest in youth and support victims of crime, noted the minister.

For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit manitoba.ca.