The provincial government is providing $15,000 to help people from Manitoba attend a national conference hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada for victims of impaired driving.
“Every year, MADD Canada brings victims and survivors of impaired driving together from across the country to share their experiences and honour those who have been killed or injured by impaired driving,” said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen. “The Manitoba government is pleased to support this conference, which offers hope and healing to many.”
MADD Canada and its local chapters sponsor delegates to attend the conference, which includes a variety of workshops on topics such as victim and survivor rights in Canada, care for the caregiver and coping with anger. The weekend also includes a candlelight vigil.
“MADD Canada’s National Conference for Victims of Impaired Driving provides victims with a safe and supportive environment where they find fellowship, understanding and range of information and resources to help them on their journeys of recovery,” said Steve Sullivan, director of victim services, MADD Canada. “This generous support from the government of Manitoba helps more victims and survivors from Manitoba attend and experience this conference.”
Manitoba has taken action to combat drunk driving by introducing amendments to The Highway Traffic Act last year that would adopt more serious penalties for drunk drivers, while keeping more police on Manitoba’s roads.
According to MADD Canada, an average of four people are killed every day in crashes where there is the presence of alcohol and/or drugs, and approximately 60,000 Canadians are injured every year. The financial and social costs exceed $20 billion a year.
Manitoba’s new immediate roadside prohibition (IRP) approach to drunk driving was first implemented in British Columbia in 2010. Since then, alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities have decreased by 50 per cent and injuries have decreased by nearly 25 per cent. Manitoba’s new IRP legislation is strongly supported by MADD Canada.
