Why Practice in Manitoba?

MPS does important work that contributes to society and improves communities.

Manitoba prosecutors appear in all levels in court including the Supreme Court of Canada. Manitoba was the first province to have Supreme Court of Canada hearings conducted outside of Ottawa and continues to lead the country in its approach to restorative justice, recognizing the importance of healing to public safety and addressing the underlying social determinants and criminogenic factors contributing to cycles of violence and engagement with the criminal justice system.

MPS has provided valuable contributions to the Supreme Court of Canada, both as a party and as an intervenor. Notable examples include:

R. v. Barton, 2019 SCC 33 – The Supreme Court found the trial judge failed to comply with the mandatory requirements set out under the Criminal Code s. 276 regime – often referred to as the “rape shield” law.

R. v. Friesen, 2020 SCC 9 – The Supreme Court said courts should start giving higher sentences for sexual crimes against children. It said longer sentences (for example, ten years or more) shouldn’t be unusual. It said sexual crimes against children should be punished more severely than sexual crimes against adults.

R. v. Parranto, 2021 SCC 46 – The Supreme Court confirmed that appeal courts may set starting points to help lower courts decide appropriate sentences.

R. v. Sullivan, 2022 SCC 19 – Section 33.1 of the Criminal Code prevents a person from using automatism as a defence for crimes involving assault or interference with the bodily integrity of another person. The Supreme Court decided section 33.1 of the Criminal Code was unconstitutional.