Manitoba’s Throne Speech Sparks Urgent Call for School Safety

UPDATE: Manitoba’s recent throne speech has put crime and public safety at the forefront of its agenda, declaring that “no matter where you live in Manitoba you should feel safe.” This urgent statement comes as Winnipeg grapples with alarming crime rates, particularly among youth, prompting calls for immediate action.

The Winnipeg Police Service revealed in a May 2025 report that the city’s crime severity index is significantly higher than the national average. Youth crime has surged by 23.1% over the past year, with violent incidents involving young people rising a staggering 43.4% above the five-year average. Recent incidents, including machete attacks and armed robberies involving youth as young as 13, underscore the escalating crisis.

As WPS Chief Gene Bowers noted, “Community safety is at the core of everything we do.” Yet, the complexity of crime in Winnipeg is evident, rooted in issues like poverty, addiction, and inadequate social supports. Columnist Dan Lett emphasizes that sustainable solutions go beyond enforcement, highlighting the need for collaboration between police and the community.

One potential solution lies in re-establishing the school resource officer program, which was discontinued in 2021 due to budget cuts. The program had proven successful in fostering relationships between officers and students, effectively preventing crises before they occurred. Former chief Devon Clunis called his time as a school resource officer “the best part of my career,” highlighting the importance of mentorship and community engagement.

In contrast, Brandon has retained a proactive resource officer program that emphasizes mentorship and relationship-building. A recent incident at Neelin High School showcased this approach when Const. Moshe Linov responded within three minutes to a threat, effectively de-escalating a potentially dangerous situation. “We build relationships with students and staff,” Linov stated, underscoring the critical role of trust in community safety.

The absence of structured support in Winnipeg schools is concerning, particularly in high-needs neighborhoods burdened by complex safety issues. With rising gang recruitment and social media conflicts, educators alone cannot manage the myriad challenges students face. Experts argue that a transparent, culturally safe, and relationship-driven resource officer program could provide early intervention and alleviate pressure on overstretched schools.

The throne speech has positioned crime and public safety as top priorities for Manitoba, but actionable solutions are necessary. A re-imagined resource officer program could be a vital component of a broader strategy that aligns community trust, prevention, and public safety. As Manitoba seeks to address these pressing issues, the time for reform is now.

Stay tuned as developments unfold. The community’s safety and well-being depend on swift and effective responses to these rising challenges.