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Four key spending decisions Law and order

By: Kevin Rollason

Wednesday, Apr. 18, 2012 at 8:25 AM | Comments: 0

THE price of fighting crime in Manitoba just went up.

In a budget that cuts spending, Manitoba Justice is one of the few departments to get more cash.

While much of the increase is due to salaries and employee benefits, Finance Minister Stan Struthers said there's also more money for police officers and cadets.

"We will also add additional resources to the criminal justice system," Struthers said.

"We are national leaders in investing in innovative programs that support a strong start for children and youth. This will strengthen communities and reduce crime."

The biggest jump comes in the area of corrections, with a 9.8 per cent increase to $196 million from $179 million. There is also $4.7 million to pay for an inquiry into the death of Phoenix Sinclair.

There will be 17 new prosecutors hired this year, part of plan announced in 2010 that will see 53 new Crown attorneys and 29 paralegal and clerical staff hired by the end of 2016.

Meanwhile, for the City of Winnipeg, it means there will soon be 10 new police officers. Brandon gets an additional officer.

More officers was news to Winnipeg police chief Keith McCaskill.

"It's always good news to get 10 additional officers, but I haven't had any discussions yet about that," he said.

Critics said the province could reduce crime by spending in other areas.

"The question is how do you reduce crime and the NDP has been in government for 13 years and hasn't been able to do that," Tory justice critic Kelvin Goertzen said.

"They could reduce crime by addressing the recidivism. We're warehousing people right now... it doesn't have to be wasted time while they are there."

Clark Brownlee, Right to Housing co-ordinator, said the province could reduce crime by putting more money into social and affordable housing.

"I am very disappointed there is no new money for social housing," Brownlee said.

"It was a government promise in the last election... it would cost less to put people in a decent home than to put people in jail."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

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