Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation


Manitoba Action to Address MMIWG


Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations, with support from Manitoba Status of Women and other departments, is leading the work that will form the basis of Manitoba's response to the National Inquiry and Calls for Justice, under the umbrella of Manitoba's Gender-Based Violence Committee of Cabinet (GBVCC). 

This broad engagement plan is essential to ensure an aligned and effective path forward, and is intended to capitalize on Manitoba's strong, dedicated and vibrant networks who continue to work to put an end to violence against Indigenous women and girls. The engagement process is ongoing, with over 40 community-based organizations having participated to date. Engagement with families and survivors continues and is being led by Indigenous organizations with funding support from the Manitoba government. 

An updated review of all the efforts across government that respond to the Calls for Justice is well underway and the results are expected to complement what is heard through engagement. This work will contribute to a fulsome and coordinated approach to responding to the Final Report and Calls for Justice. 

Manitoba is working to develop a concrete and effective response to the National Inquiry that builds on work that is underway at the community-level and aligns with the main pillars of Manitoba's Framework for Addressing Gender-Based Violence. We recognize that this response is a starting point from which the ongoing work will evolve and grow over time. 

In the meantime, Manitoba is pursuing a wide variety of more immediate activities that align with the Calls for Justice and support efforts to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. Examples of these activities include:

IRNR-Specific Initiatives

  • Partnered with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and Manitoba Status of Women to support the co-development of a provincial implementation plan to raise awareness and end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples in Manitoba. February 2022 ($130,000).
  • Continuing to co-lead an engagement plan to prioritize the Calls for Justice. Engagements to date have taken place with over 40 stakeholder organizations and several Indigenous leadership organizations. Engagement with families and survivors has been pursued by trauma-informed Indigenous-led organizations with funding support from the province. Ongoing.
  • Participated in the development of the federal National Action Plan alongside the Departments of Justice and Manitoba Status of Women, 2020/2021.
  • Affirmed the province’s participation in the National Inquiry into MMIWG as a means to advance reconciliation and support the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (2016).
 
  • Partnered with trauma-informed and Indigenous-led organization to support a number of healing and commemorative events in relations to MMIWG, Survivors, and their families. These initiatives included:
    • Manitoba Moon Voices and Two-Spirited Peoples of Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Social Media Campaign (October 2021)
    • Wahbung Abinoonjiiag Soles on Fire Walk/Run Half Marathon (October 2021
    • Gaynor Family Library Sacred Spirits of Turtle Island Mural Unveiling (October 2021)
    • Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata October 4th Ceremony, Healing Support, and National Panel Discussion (October 2021)
    • 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Light of Helen Betty Osborne (November 2021)


Activities Initiated by Other Departments

  • Contributed to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s initiative, tentatively called “Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn” – meaning “it is visible” in Anishinaabemowin. The project will build a space for economic and social reconciliation in the historic Hudson Bay Company building located in downtown Winnipeg, which was gifted to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization for this project. A total of nearly 300 new, affordable homes for members of local First Nations including families and post-secondary students will be created, and a portion of the units will be culturally safe assisted living units for First Nation Elders. High quality, licensed child care facilities will also be located on site. Government of Manitoba, April 2022 ($35,000,000).
  • Partnered with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak on the creation and operation of a youth healing lodge in Thompson intended to provide more justice resources in the north, reduce youth recidivism rates and decrease the use of Thompson’s RCMP cells for non-violent youth who have been detained. The first phase of the youth community healing lodge will provide open-custody correctional services closer to home for northern youth. Phases two and three will see an expansion to include a healing lodge, enhanced mental health and addiction supports, employment and skills training, and community justice resources. Department of Justice, March 2022 ($2,000,000).
  • Provided support to the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation for the Buffalo Riders program, which delivers early interventions for Indigenous youth at risk for substance use and addictions. Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, December 2021 ($350,000).
  • Announced a pilot program that supports engagement with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in schools. This program promotes the inclusion of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit histories, traditional values, contemporary lifestyles, and traditional knowledge in the provincial curricula. Department of Education, December 2021.
  • Signed a contribution agreement with Xplornet Communications Inc. to provide broadband services to nearly 30 First Nations and approximately 350 rural and northern communities. Department of Central Services, November 2021.
  • Provided a variety of mental health and addictions initiatives through the Canada-Manitoba Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Funding Agreement. Examples include extending the Granny’s House community respite pilot project, and providing funding to the Super Dads Program at the Mount Carmel Clinic; the public education campaign against sexual exploitation through the Clan Mothers Healing Village; virtual staff training through the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters; and the virtual component of Thrival Kits through the Canadian Mental Health Association. Departments of Families and Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, 2021 ($1.2 million).
  • Provided funding to support Family Outreach Coordinators who work across clusters of three community schools and provide direct and intensive support to the most vulnerable families in each of the school sites. Department of Education, ongoing ($160,000).
  • Ongoing work with Clan Mothers to enhance access to land-based teachings for Indigenous youth who are at high risk of sexual exploitation. Department of Families, 2021.
  • Provided funding to improve tenant and community safety in Manitoba Housing properties. Department of Families, 2021 ($4,000,000).
  • Invested additional supports for people experiencing homelessness as part of the provincial COVID-19 response. Department of Families, 2021 ($5,000,000).
  • Providing funding to the Together We Grow program through The Pas Committee for Women in Crisis (Aurora House). Manitoba Status of Women and Department of Justice, 2021.
  • Expanded a hub model for integrated youth services, including mental health and addictions services for youth and young adults. Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, 2021.
  • Provided funding to the NorWest Youth Hub and Tamarack Recovery Centre for additional counselling support and staffing resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, 2021 ($220,000).
  • Provided employment and training services to help unemployed, underemployed and multi-barriered Manitobans to prepare for, find and obtain sustainable employment. Department of Economic Development and Jobs, 2021.
  • Invested in additional supports for mental health and wellness programs and services to support students, teachers and staff in Manitoba schools during the pandemic and provide summer programming through the Families and Schools Together initiative for vulnerable families. Department of Education, 2021 ($230,000).
  • Continuing to modernize the Family Violence Prevention Program. The program provides support to over 30 agencies on an annual basis, including shelters, women’s resource centres, second stage programs, and specialized programs across Manitoba that provide emergency short-term to long-term accommodation, counselling, information and resource referrals, advocacy and support to individuals and their families who are experiencing family violence. Status of Women, ongoing ($11,000,000).
  • Initiated the Criminal Justice Modernization Strategy, the Family Law Modernization Strategy, and the Policing and Public Safety Strategy. Department of Justice.
  • Invested in mental health supports including Sources of Strength, Kids Help Phone, and the Remote Learning Support Centre for new student services clinicians to provide direct, individual support to students struggling with mental health needs in the remote learning environment. Department of Education, 2020 ($600,000).
  • Ended Manitoba’s long-standing practice of birth alerts, effective July 1, 2020. Department of Families, 2020.
  • Invested in Granny’s House, a one-year pilot program that provided temporary, culturally safe respite care to children and families who could otherwise be a risk of becoming involved in the child welfare system. Granny’s House is operated by Gwekaanamad, a partnership of five community organizations in the north end of Winnipeg. Department of Families, 2020 ($400,000).
  • Provided funding to the Centre for Child Protection for online public awareness to promote the recognition and awareness of risks associated with livestreaming, gaming platforms and live chat features, as well as available preventative technologies. Department of Families, 2020 ($180,000).
  • Partnered with the federal government to create the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit to connect vulnerable Manitobans with safe and stable housing, focusing on young adults transitioning or aging out of the child welfare system. Department of Families, 2020 ($17,500,000).
  • Developed a strategic plan for transforming and improving family services, including how to work together to protect children, reduce dependence on government programs and strengthen families and communities. Department of Families, 2020.
  • Provided enhanced funding to the Mount Carmel Clinic Mothering Project (Manito Ikwe Kagiikwe), to double their supportive capacity to connect vulnerable mothers with programs and services for additional health and wellness support. Department of Families, 2020.
  • Initiated inter-departmental work to revitalize the Tracia’s Trust strategy and to develop and align departmental initiatives that supports and examines gender-based violence, as well as Manitoba’s response to the MMIWG Commission report. Department of Families, 2019/20.
  • Provided funding to Project 11, which provides virtual and in-person lessons and activities designed to improve mental health awareness and positive coping strategies for students in kindergarten to Grade 8. Department of Health, 2019 ($621,000).
  • Provided investments to expand the Community Schools program over three years to provide increased supports for mental health and addictions resources for at-risk children and youth and their families, with a particular focus on Indigenous people and Newcomers. Department of Education, 2019 ($1,600,000).
  • Providing new funding through the Family Violence Prevention Program to support women’s resource centres in Winnipeg and Brandon. Status of Women, 2019 ($176,000).
  • Launched Restoring the Sacred Bond Initiative; a two-year pilot project that matched doulas with Indigenous mothers who were at risk of having their infants apprehended and placed into the care of Child and Family Services. The project was a partnership between the province, seven investors, and the Southern First Nations Network of Care and Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag. Department of Families, 2019.
  • Collaborated with the Métis Child and Family Services Authority and its partnering CFS agencies and mental health/addictions services to develop the Community Addiction Response Team (CART). This model uses a family mentor to connect at risk families experiencing mental health and addiction services to prevent CFS apprehension. Department of Families, 2019 ($1,900,000).
  • Invested in the expansion of StreetReach programming in Thompson and enhanced the community mobilization hub. StreetReach is a key initiative under Tracia’s Trust, Manitoba’s Strategy to Stop Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking, that was launched in 2009. It combines the mandated child welfare legislation working in collaboration with non-government partners and law enforcement to provide a comprehensive and coordinated rapid response to address the safety of Manitoba’s most vulnerable: missing and sexually exploited and sex trafficked children and youth. This expansion will further enhance services for youth through partnerships with law enforcement, child welfare, and community. Department of Families, 2019 ($2,100,000).
  • Provided funding to Men are Part of the Solution Inc., First Peoples Development Inc., Resource Assistance for Youth Inc. and Selkirk Community Renewal Corporation to support projects related to the National Action Plan on MMIWG. Department of Municipal Relations, 2019 ($166,707).
  • Invested in the Community Helpers program led by Gwekaanamad and Nagijeung. These programs work with community mentors and provide 24/7 culturally relevant services for families and caregivers who are experiencing challenges that could result in a child entering care or leaving their current placement. Department of Families, 2019.
  • Invested in supports for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, including a pilot project providing educational materials and training to the St. James School Division in Winnipeg on how to protect children from sexual exploitation and abduction. Department of Justice, 2018 ($20,000).
  • Established the Gender-Based Violence Committee of Cabinet to ensure collaboration across government to address gender-based violence. Status of Women, 2018.
  • Developed a Manitoba Post-Secondary Sexual Violence Policy Guide to assist post-secondary institutions in creating safe campuses through policies, engagement with students, training and initiatives. Department of Education, 2017.
  • Introduced a new funding model for family violence shelters funded by the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) to improve operations of the family violence sector and better protect vulnerable Manitobans. The new model focuses specifically on supporting staffing capacity to ensure quality services for those staying in shelters and transitional housing options. Department of Families, April 2022.
  • Contributed to the Toba Centre for Child & Youth’s WE WILL capital campaign to assist with renovations on the Centre’s new location at 710 Assiniboine Park Drive, and create a fund for future financial support. This contribution will support Toba Centre’s work to expand the services and supports it provides to children who have experienced abuse and assist their families and caregivers in the healing process. Department of Families, April 2022 ($2,000,000).
  • Created an annual subsidy at 26 Gaylene Place in Winnipeg to support a partnership agreement with Makoon Transition Inc. and S.A.M. (Properties) Holding Inc. to create thirty-two transitional housing units, eight of which will be designated for additional tenant supports for families who have been impacted by Child and Family Services (CFS). Department of Families, April 2022 ($595,226).
  • Created a provincial Forensic Nurse Examiner program that will expand forensic nursing services for Manitobans. This program will improve the access for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence to necessary supports, and will reduce the need to travel to Winnipeg for specialized care. Building upon the existing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, this program will include the hiring of five new nurses and a provincial coordinator. Satellite sites will be established in Brandon, The Pas, and Thompson, and are expected to be in effect in late 2022 to early 2023. Departments of Health and Families, April 2022 ($640,000 annually).
  • Provided funding to the North End Women’s Centre (NEWC) to maintain its eight-bed transitional housing program to support women in long-term recovery from substance use and trauma. Using reconciliation and anti-oppressive lenses, a holistic model, and a harm-reduction approach, NEWC provides services to women who are homeless or living in poverty and facing multiple barriers to maintaining their substance use recovery and mental health. Department of Families, March 2022 ($400,000).
  • Increased Indigenous representation within the provincial court systems through the appointment of Judge Vincent George Sinclair. Department of Justice, March 2022.
  • Engaging with key Indigenous stakeholders in discussions toward integrating Indigenous-led approaches regarding Pillar 4 (impact) of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Manitoba Status of Women, February 2022.
  • Provided funding to assist with programs and services offered through Candace House, a non-profit organization that supports victims and survivors of violent crime. Department of Justice, February 2022 ($100,000).
  • Provided capital supports to Main Street Project in support of the acquisition of additional space to expand current shelter capacity. Funding was provided through Manitoba Housing and the Government of Canada, January 2022 ($1.5 million).
  • Announced the first supportive recovery-housing units in rural and northern Manitoba. Through a partnership with Men Are Part of the Solution Inc. (MAPS), the Phoenix House in Thompson, Manitoba has been expanded to offer an additional 12 supportive housing-recovery units for women. These efforts address significant needs within the region for transitional housing for women. Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, December 2021.
  • Provided funding to Clan Mothers, a grassroots, Indigenous women-led organization to support the construction of a healing village that will provide supports for women who have been victims of multi-generational trauma, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Department of Families, December 2021 ($3.0 million).
  • Supported the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) in the development and delivery of a virtual mental health and addictions training program for domestic and family violence agencies. The new funding addresses existing service gaps identified by agencies and improves the capacity for holistic prevention and intervention services. Manitoba Status of Women, November 2021 ($30,000).
  • Provided funding to End Homelessness Winnipeg for N’dinawemak (Our Relatives), a 150-bed, low-barrier, Indigenous-led community care camp and warming space. Department of Families, November 2021 ($1.5 million).
  • Launched a request for proposals in search of a vendor to provide web-based crisis line services to improve support access for Manitobans experiencing family, domestic and intimate partner violence. This improved violence crisis line will enhance supports for vulnerable Manitobans through the implementation of a new, web-based crisis chat system. Status of Women, August 2021.
  • Provided funding to a new community-led corporation which will support community organizations in delivering programs that address the diverse needs of victims of crime or those who have experienced victimization in Manitoba. Department of Justice, July 2021 ($5,000,000).
  • Provided annual funding to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to operate 26 overnight beds at the Oscar’s Place shelter to support the continued protection of vulnerable populations in The Pas and surrounding areas. Department of Families, June 2021 ($355,000).
  • Provided funding over three years to the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. to deliver an outreach program that gives intensive support to people who are pregnant or have recently had a baby and use substances. Department of Families, June 2021 ($825,000).
  • Provided annual investments to a number of initiatives related to sexual exploitation through Tracia’s Trust, including culturally-based mentorship programs; educational opportunities for post-secondary certificates or diplomas in child and youth care; specialized placement resources for sexually exploited youth; and coordinating Provincial Tracia’s Trust teams that connect community, and increase awareness on issues of sexual exploitation. Department of Families, ongoing ($16,000,000).
  • Developed a smudging room for victims and families, as well as cultural and ceremonial healing through the Compensation for Victims of Crime program. Department of Justice, ongoing.
  • Provided training for government officials, law enforcement and community members on trauma-informed approaches to supporting victims. Department of Justice, ongoing.
  • Allocated funding from victim surcharge fees and the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to Indigenous-led agencies who provide support to Indigenous victims of crime. Agencies include Ka Ni Kanichihk (Heart Medicine Lodge and Medicine Bear programs), Ndinawe (Child and Youth Care Practitioner program); and Safe House and NCN Cree Nation (Bereavement Group). Department of Justice, 2021.
  • Provided funding to Clan Mothers Healing Village to increase their capacity and facilitate a tri-provincial engagement with the goal of creating an Indigenous model of healing and education in consultation with survivors. The model of care supports girls and women who have experienced multi-generational systemic trauma, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Additional funding was provided to support the reproduction and translation of preventative messaging into six Indigenous languages for distribution in First Nation and Metis communities to inform parents of the risk associated with sexual exploitation and online use of technology for children aged 8-11 years of age. Departments of Families, 2020/21.
  • Provided funding to 24 community organizations to deliver programs that address the diverse needs of victims, including Healing Village Social Enterprise Training Program (Clan Mothers’ Turtle Lodge); Heart Medicine Lodge (Ka Ni Kanichihk); Reclaiming our Power and Place (Manitoba Moon Voices); and Noozhek (Portage La Prairie Bear Clan – an Ojibway term meaning “Woman Bear”). Department of Justice and Status of Women, April 2021 ($6,400,000).
  • Invested in information systems at family violence shelters to enhance current services. The shared information system will enable shelters to share data and better support families in need. Status of Women, February 2021 ($88,000).
  • Supported youth and young adults injured by violence through the Community-Emergency Department Violence Intervention Program (CEDVIP) by providing wraparound care with a multidisciplinary team. Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, January 2021 ($2,300,000).
  • Provided one-time funding to the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters to build virtual mental health and trauma-informed staff training for shelter staff. Department of Families, November 2021 ($30,000).
  • Provided funding to Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Ndinawe) to provide individuals with past experience in the sex trade with community based, accredited training in a safe and supportive environment. Department of Families, 2021.
  • Signed a memorandum of understanding with Xplornet Communications Inc. to connect more than 125,000 unserved or underserved Manitobans to reliable, high-speed internet services. The agreement will provide broadband services to nearly 30 First Nations, and approximately 270 rural and northern communities. Department of Education, May 2021.
  • Through a partnership with the Government of Canada and the Pollard family of Winnipeg, plans have been made to build new housing for the protection of vulnerable homeless populations within mental health or addiction issues in Winnipeg’s Centennial neighbourhood. The three-story, 47-micro-suite apartment building will be constructed by Home First Winnipeg Inc., a non-profit charitable corporation established by the Pollard family. The governments of Manitoba and Canada re contributing more than $1.1 million toward the project through the Canada-Manitoba Housing Agreement under the National Housing Strategy. Department of Families, May 2021.
  • Completed legislative changes that affect the classification of naloxone which is used as an antidote to opioid overdoses. These changes removed previous barriers to accessing the drug and allows for increased access and availability. Department of Health, December 2020.
  • Announced an online training program for civil servants and front-line workers on family violence. The self-directed program was developed by Willow Place in partnership with government and community stakeholders across the province. Status of Women, 2020.
  • Improved access to technology for justice stakeholders in remote and northern communities. Department of Justice, 2020.
  • Launched the new single-window Family Resolution Service to deliver a seamless continuum of public, private and community-based services to Manitobans experiencing family law matters. Department of Justice, June 2020.
  • Introduced annual funding to expand drop-in capacity at the Spence Neighborhood Association to 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Department of Justice, December 2020 ($300,000).
  • Provided funding to support programs and services that assist victims of crime, including Candace House, community social service agencies and enhanced supports such as access to Indigenous Elders. Department of Justice, 2019 ($400,000).
  • Improved access to mental health and addictions treatment that includes Indigenous-led supports for at-risk or sexually exploited youth. Department of Families, 2019 ($3,900,000).
  • Selected Wahbung Abinoonjiiag Inc. to lead a network of community agencies to help improve housing options for women and children who have experienced family violence. The selection was in response to a request for expressions of interest for a community partner to help identify and designate up to 50 long-term social housing units. Manitoba Status of Women and the Department of Indigenous and Northern Relations, January 27, 2020.
  • Supported infrastructure and public safety initiatives in the north, including renovations to the Thompson Provincial Office Building and Court Offices for a child friendly courtroom and a safe, separate waiting and interview area for victims including child witnesses. Department of Justice, June 2019 ($11,000,000).
  • Expanded walk-in mental health services and specialized trauma counselling at Klinic Community Health. The funding supported the expansion of both drop-in and longer-term trauma counselling programs, as well as the creation of a seven-day-a-week centralized trauma intake and referral service. Manitoba Status of Women, November 2019 ($2,400,000).
  • Provided funding to Wolseley Family Place Inc., Women Healing for Change and Union Gospel Mission for projects related to infrastructure, training supports and addictions. Department of Municipal Relations, 2019 ($51,145).
  • Produced a video through the Tracia’s Trust Regional Advisory of Knowledge Keepers that connects Manitoba missing and the need for Indigenous methods of healing. Department of Families, 2018.
  • Established a Family Information Liaison Unit to support the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Department of Justice, 2016.
  • Provided funding for the Building Student Success for Indigenous Parents program to parents, family and community involvement through engagement and connection between the home and school. The program helps to establish schools as places of safety for students and families. Department of Education, ongoing ($600,000).
  • Provided funding to Men Are Part of the Solution and Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region to develop new supportive recovery housing units in rural and northern Manitoba. Men Are Part of the Solution Inc. is based in Thompson and will provide an additional 12 units in the northern region targeted to women, while Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region Inc. will provide nine units for the Brandon region. Studies show supportive recovery housing is an effective option for those in need of alcohol and drug-free housing accommodations, and improves success rates for addictions treatment. Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, April 2021.
  • Continuing efforts to work with Indigenous leadership, police agencies and other community partners to more fully incorporate the use of restorative justice options where appropriate. Department of Justice, ongoing.
  • Provided funding to the Thompson Sobering Centre which will provide a 24/7 safe and secure environment for non-violent, publicly intoxicated individuals to stay while the effects of drugs and/or alcohol wear off. Department of Justice, June 2021 ($2,800,000).
  • Provided funding to establish and operate a sobering centre in the city of Brandon, which will offer an effective alternative to police and hospital-based responses to public intoxication while keeping individuals safe. Department of Justice, July 2021 ($2,000,000).
  • Provided funding to 24 community organizations to deliver programs that address the diverse needs of victims, including Indigenous Men and Boys are Part of the Solution to Building Healthy and Safe Communities (Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak; Métis MMIWG Family Support Project (Manitoba Métis Federation Inc.); and Preventing and Addressing Family Violence (Southern Chiefs Organization). Department of Justice and Status of Women, April 2021 ($6,400,000).
  • Provided funding for an education and awareness campaign led by the Manitoba Hotel Association (MBHA) in partnership with the Tracia’s Trust Strategy. The campaign provided comprehensive education on sexual exploitation and human trafficking to front line hotel staff. Department of Families, 2020 ($200,000).
  • Expanded the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba’s women’s residential treatment program with increased annual investments. This increase allowed the program to expand from 24 to 31 beds. Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living, November 2020 ($600,000).
  • Developed and released Manitoba’s Framework: Addressing Gender-Based Violence, which builds on the government’s commitment to address gender-based violence and outlines how the government is organizing itself to address gender-based violence, including the MMIWG Calls for Justice. Status of Women, December 2020.
  • Provided grant funding to the City of Thompson to work with a consultant and develop a community safety and well-being strategy to better identify risk and social factors that contribute to crime and victimization, and to identify initiatives to address these factors and set measurable outcomes. Department of Justice, March 2020 ($35,000).
  • Invested in the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, a public-private partnership committed to reducing downtown crime and improving community safety in Winnipeg. Partners include the City of Winnipeg, True North Sports and Entertainment, the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone, the Winnipeg Police Service, and several other stakeholders. Department of Justice, June 2020 ($5,000,000).
  • Established the Walking Bear Therapeutic Community trauma and addictions recovery unit at the Women’s Correctional Centre. Department of Justice, October 2020.
  • Created new supports for victims of intimate partner violence within the justice system, and ensuring that victims and families currently experiencing, or at risk of intimate partner violence get the support they need earlier and prior to criminal and family courts. Department of Justice, 2020.
  • Providing funding over three years to community organizations for the development of Indigenous-led treatment and services to support sexually exploited youth with complex needs, and to incorporate Indigenous ways of healing to reduce the impacts of colonization and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Department of Families, 2019 ($3,900,000).
  • Provided funding to Rest-A-Bit Inc. and West Central Women’s Resource Centre for projects related to individuals or families affected by homelessness or family violence. Department of Municipal Relations, 2019 ($50,576).
  • Initiated a pilot project in which the Manitoba Police Commission established and coordinated six community committees focused on policing and public safety issues. The committees are responsible for identifying issues and implementing solutions in response to local concerns, tracking results and reporting back to the province through the commission. Department of Justice, 2019.
  • Supported collaboration between the RCMP, City of Thompson, and other stakeholders in the development of a public safety strategy for Thompson. Department of Justice, 2019 ($300,000).
  • Established the Restorative Justice Centre through a realignment of resources within Manitoba Justice. Department of Justice, November 2018.