Manitoba municipalities demand bail reform from next federal government
Local officials tell of woman killed by allegedly drunk driver out on bail
Municipal leaders in Manitoba say they're fed up with a bail system they argue is too lenient — and they want whoever forms the next federal government to fix it.
Elected officials from three communities took the microphone at an Association of Manitoba Municipalities news conference Tuesday and shared examples of crimes allegedly committed by suspects released on bail.
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox spoke of Kellie Verwey, who was killed earlier this year by an alleged drunk driver who had a warrant out for his arrest.
Verwey was the city's economic development officer.
"This tragedy has affected me deeply, not only in my role as mayor, but as a member of my community who knew the victim, saw the pain first-hand and, as a leader, carries the weight of that loss," Knox said.
There's a growing sense among Manitobans that dangerous individuals are receiving more chances than they deserve, she said.
"We will not stop speaking out. We will not stop pushing for change."
Lac du Bonnet Reeve Loren Schinkel, a retired police officer, has seen the policing profession change over the decades.
These days, he's heard that officers are devoting too much time rearresting people who were recently released from custody.
Bail "protects the presumption of innocence," Schinkel said, "but the balance is way off."
Brandon Coun. Bruce Luebke said the city's police force has laid nearly 3,300 charges related to bail violations over a three-year period, in a city of roughly 51,000 people.
Many residents "have commented to me about how they adjust their life based on whether they feel safe to go out at a specific time or to a specific place," he said.
"These are not how our residents should have to live their everyday lives."
Municipal officials, speaking during a break in the Association of Manitoba Municipalities' spring convention in Winnipeg, say the current federal election is an opportunity to make their case.
Too many released: former officer
Schinkel said he'd entertain any election promises that vow to make criminals "more accountable" for their actions.
"I think there's an onus when it comes to public safety across Canada that's been missed by the previous government, quite frankly," he said.
AMM president Kathy Valentino said "our message is clear: we want the promise to be a change in bail reform, and we want municipalities with their stories to be at the table to make it be the right change."
Last week, security footage circulated online of armed people in a farmyard close to MacGregor, Man.
While it's not known if the suspects were out on bail, a string of crimes reported at a few properties has put area residents on high alert.
Last week, Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe highlighted more than $5 million the government has recently committed to address rural crime issues. Some of the funding will support an RCMP unit that uses specialized training and equipment to resolve high-risk situations.
On Tuesday, Wiebe reaffirmed the province's demand for bail reform. Justice ministers across the country wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney in March to call on him to act.
