The Manitoba government is seeking feedback from the public on proposed measures to combat rural crime and metal theft through a new online questionnaire.
“Our government is committed to keeping Manitobans safe wherever they live,” said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen. “It will be critical to consult with law enforcement on this issue, but we want to hear from people in rural, northern and remote areas, as well as other Manitobans, about their experiences with crime, so we can ensure the justice system responds to their needs.”
The minister noted the province is considering whether to adopt legislation from other provinces to improve Manitoba’s trespass and occupiers’ liability laws and discourage stolen metal sales. This could include amendments to The Petty Trespass Act, to ensure the law is easier to enforce and to prevent confrontations between landowners and trespassers, and to The Occupiers Liability Act to ensure a landowner’s legal responsibility for injury is fair and reasonable when someone is on their property without permission.
Manitoba Justice will also engage with several key stakeholders about proposed changes, including law enforcement agencies, municipalities, agricultural organizations, business groups and Indigenous leadership.
“Community safety and crime prevention are among the top priorities of Manitoba municipalities, and local councils have been ringing the alarm on increasing rural crime rates,” said Ralph Groening, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “We commend the provincial government for seeking feedback from rural Manitoba to help combat rural crime and protect Manitobans in partnership with municipal officials and stakeholders.”
The province will also consider amendments to The Animal Diseases Act to support food safety on Manitoba farms. Manitobans are invited to provide feedback on potential legislation that would enhance biosecurity and reduce hazards at food production premises with livestock or other animals.
“Agriculture and food production is an important part of Manitoba’s economy and is a vital contributor to the health and wellbeing of people,” said Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen. “Our goal is to ensure that food produced in Manitoba is safe for human consumption and that food safety will never be compromised.”
Manitobans can provide their feedback through the public engagement questionnaire at engagemb.ca until Oct. 31.
