Manitoba Government Tackles Causes of Crime in Westman Alongside Law Enforcement

The Manitoba government is supporting families in western Manitoba by providing a 50 per cent funding increase to Community Mobilization Westman (CMW), Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“This initiative tackles the root causes of crime by teaming vulnerable folks and families up with social service agencies, and community supports,” said Wiebe. “Our funding will help law enforcement partner with community organizations so supports can move quickly and target chronic issues that lead to crime.”

The Manitoba government is providing an additional $40,000 to Community Mobilization Westman. Twice a week, this program brings together more than 20 professionals from 16 different organizations in a hub to co-ordinate services and supports for at-risk individuals or families. Participating agencies include the City of Brandon, the Brandon Police Service, the Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services and Prairie Mountain Health.

“To help keep Manitobans safe, we need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Our government supports initiatives that see law enforcement and community organizations working side by side. By getting tough on the causes of crime, we are improving public safety for all Manitobans.”

In total, the Manitoba government provides $120,000 to Community Mobilization Westman, Simard noted.

“As Mayor of Brandon, I am grateful for the Province of Manitoba’s increased support of Community Mobilization Westman,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “CMW is instrumental in fostering community engagement and addressing local issues. This increased funding will assist several of their initiatives including improving the safety and security of families in our community. On behalf of Brandon city council, I want to thank the province for investing in and supporting Community Mobilization Westman.”

“We are grateful for the additional funding and support,” said Janis Irvine, co-ordinator, Community Mobilization Westman. “Collectively, we are a model of what collaboration can look like between organizations and agencies which can mitigate risk and prevent further harm. We bring our knowledge together to find better work practices and address the barriers that prevent community safety and well-being.”

The additional funding for Community Mobilization Westman is being made through Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy, made possible by more than $4.6 million in funding from the Government of Canada through its Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund.

For more information on crime prevention in Manitoba, visit: https://manitoba.ca/justice/commsafe/crimeprev/index.html.