Kathy Valentino, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and a councillor in Thompson, says new polling shows Manitobans want Ottawa to act on bail reform and policing. She explains that municipalities across the province are dealing with unsafe streets, and the so-called “catch and release” system is failing.
“The data that we have received from the poll clearly shows that Manitoba and Manitobans want us to send a message to Ottawa that there needs to be action and change bail reform and policing,” notes Valentino. “More and more, our municipalities are being faced with unsafe streets. And the so-called perceived catch and release system is not working.”
Portage la Prairie highlighted
Valentino points to Portage la Prairie as an example of why federal changes are needed. She says the recent disappearance and re-arrest of James Hilton shows how repeat offences create concern in the community.
“And you know, and Mayor Knox and the City of Portage, clearly this shows the need for action on bail reform,” says Valentino.
Team advocacy
Valentino outlines how AMM has been pressing the federal government in partnership with local leaders such as Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, and Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox. Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe has also joined the effort.
She says they have shared real examples with federal minister Sean Fraser, showing how repeat offenders hurt businesses and communities across the province. She adds that crime is climbing in rural and northern Manitoba, and the problem stretches across Western Canada.
“We’ve been reaching out to the federal minister, Minister Sean Fraser, saying that Manitoba has some real-life examples of how bail reform needs to have action attached to it,” adds Valentino.
Strong public support
Polling shows that 9 out of 10 Manitobans want bail reform made a federal priority. 72 per cent say Ottawa should also provide more funding for policing in rural and northern regions, where the RCMP presence feels limited.
“This is a hot topic across Manitoba’s public safety,” continues Valentino. “We hear that from municipal leaders across Manitoba, because they’re hearing from residents that public safety in Manitoba is the top concern.”
National pressure
Valentino points out that premiers across Canada signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister on March 18, calling for federal action on bail reform. She says that letter, coupled with joint advocacy from Western municipal associations, shows the issue extends well beyond Manitoba.
“There was a need for action on bail reform at the federal level,” says Valentino. “This is not just Western Canada. This is across Canada. Every premier has also spoken to this that we need a change.”
Valentino says AMM will continue pressing the federal government until changes to the Criminal Code are made.
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