Manitoba PCs pledge $1M annually for Winnipeg police property crime unit

Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives say they'd spend $1 million annually to expand the Winnipeg Police Service's property crime unit if elected.

Fort Whyte candidate Obby Khan said the Tories' promise is expected to pay for 50 to 60 extra shifts for officers to help police respond faster to property crimes.

"Whether it's the garage, property from the front yard, their car getting broken into, these are real concerns and real safety issues that need to be dealt with," Khan said at a news conference alongside Rossmere PC candidate Andrew Micklefield on Tuesday morning.

"They need more officers on hand to deal with this crime."

Khan could not say whether the extra 50 to 60 extra shifts would be monthly, annually or over some other time period. He said a PC government would work with police to determine specifics.

NDP spokesperson Amy Tuckett-McGimpsey said in an email that the PCParty's record on property crime "is one of failure," citing the rise in property crime rates last year.

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"They did nothing to help Winnipeggers," the spokesperson said in an email.

During hertime as justice minister, PC Leader Heather Stefansoninstead "oversaw cuts to front-line law enforcement," andthe Progressive Conservatives"can't be trusted on keeping communities safe,"Tuckett-McGimpseysaid.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said in a statement that Tuesday's announcement "is simply responding to the chaos the PCs have caused for the last seven years in government."

"We need to be addressing the root causes of crime, which Heather Stefanson has no interest in doing," Lamont said in an emailed statement.

The announcement marks another PC pledge related to crime and safety in the final full week before Manitoba's Oct. 3 election.

On Monday, the Tories made a list of promises about downtown safety in Brandon, street racing in Winnipeg and retail crime.

Help for first responders

Later Tuesday, Waverley PC candidate Jon Reyes said the party is also pledging $5 million to support programs that prevent and address post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders, including counselling, awareness campaigns and educational resources.

"We have to take care of those who take care of us," Reyes said at a news conference.

Past president of the Winnipeg Police AssociationMaurice Sabourin, who was also at the announcement,said he was glad to see the Tories promise action on an issue hespent 14 years advocating for.

"Unfortunately, I think the wheels of progress turn slowly and budgets are tight all over the place," Sabourin said following the announcement.

"Any movement forward is positive. And if it takes a while, unfortunately it takes a while. But I'm happy that it's coming to fruition now."

Reyes said the Tories would also work with Manitoba Public Insurance to create a charity licence plate in support of the Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad, an annual event that raises money for prostate cancer research and awareness.