Crime-centered initiative gets $40,000 funding boost from Manitoba government

This represents a 50 percent increase in Community Mobilization Westman's budget

Crime-centered initiative gets $40,000 funding boost from Manitoba government

Crime-centered initiative Community Mobilization Westman has received an additional $40,000 in funding from the Manitoba government.

This amount represents a 50 percent increase to CMW’s budget, which now totals $120,000. The funds are being funneled through Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy.

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

The CMW hub gathers over 20 professionals from agencies like the City of Brandon, the Brandon Police Service, the Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services and Prairie Mountain Health to coordinate services and support for at-risk individuals and families.

“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,” CMW coordinator Janis Irvine said in a statement.

City of Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said that the added funding would bolster CMW initiatives like boosting the safety and security of families in western Manitoba. He explained that the initiative had been key to community engagement and tackling local issues.

“To help keep Manitobans safe, we need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach. 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,” said Glen Simard, municipal and northern relations minister, in a statement.

Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy received over $4.6 million in funds provided by the Canadian government via the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund.