Manitoba’s provincial and municipal leaders united at Tuesday's Association of Manitoba Municipalities Spring Convention to demand stricter federal bail reforms, citing preventable tragedies and systemic failures. The call follows high-profile cases like the killing of a young Portage la Prairie woman by a repeat offender released on bail.
Provincial push for stricter measures
Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General outlined the province’s five-point bail plan, endorsed by the National Police Federation, which includes $3 million for increased policing and expanded electronic monitoring. “There have been too many senseless crimes where serious repeat offenders [are] released only to cause havoc,” Wiebe says.
“The federal government needs to listen. Our government will stand with you every step of the way.”
Municipalities echo calls for accountability
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox, speaking as Cities Caucus chair, emphasized the nationwide ripple effect of bail system failures.
“What happened in our community could happen anywhere. These are not isolated incidents—they’re a sign of a system that’s not working,” Knox notes.
She highlighted the emotional toll on frontline workers and families, urging cross-government collaboration. “We need meaningful reform to rebuild trust. This is about responsibility, courage, and doing what’s right for the people we’ve lost.”
Brandon councillor urges federal action on community safety
Brandon City Councillor Janelle Luebke joined provincial leaders this week in demanding federal bail reform, citing widespread safety concerns reshaping residents’ daily lives. At a municipal forum, she highlighted how fear of crime influences routines and erodes quality of life.
Community safety concerns drive calls for reform
Luebke notes the personal toll of rising unease.
“Many have commented to me about how they adjust their life based on whether they feel safe to go out at a specific time or to a specific place,” she says.
“These are not how our residents should have to live their everyday lives.”
Advocacy gains momentum
The councillor praised Manitoba’s provincial push for stricter bail policies while urging Ottawa to act. Luebke adds, “I want to thank the Province of Manitoba for taking the lead on this and look forward to meaningful reform at the federal level.”
Event moderators closed the forum by inviting media questions and reaffirming cross-government collaboration. Luebke’s remarks align with growing municipal demands to prioritize public safety in justice system reforms.
Rural voices join the chorus
The summit concluded with leaders vowing to maintain pressure on Ottawa, stressing that public safety “is the bedrock” of thriving communities. Wiebe adds, “Action can’t wait—the time to act is now.”