February 19, 2019
Province Announces Funding for Community Mobilization Project
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE—The Manitoba government is providing nearly $95,000 to the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) including $25,000 to a community mobilization project that provides integrated and comprehensive supports to young people and families at risk in Portage la Prairie and the surrounding region, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced here today.
“Our priority is to keep Manitobans safe, and one way we can do that is by connecting people with appropriate supports and services from within their community,” said Cullen. “By working in partnership with law enforcement, service providers, schools and other community organizations, we can make a real difference for youth and families. This successful model helps build family stability, reduce crime and improve community safety.”
The provincial funding will be provided to the RCMP detachment in Portage la Prairie, in support of Portage Hub. The Portage Hub began in 2018 and helps connect public and not-for-profit agencies that work with high-risk individuals or families. These groups proactively offer services and supports to reduce their risk of becoming involved or re-involved in the justice system.
“We are very pleased to receive this funding that will be used to support the Portage Hub here in Portage la Prairie,” said Insp. Jarrid St. Pierre, officer in charge of the Portage la Prairie RCMP Detachment. “The government’s support of this grassroots community safety initiative is very important and will help ensure that those who need help get help before it is too late.”
The funding will be used to train staff from more agencies to be part of the hub and provide other important services to help at-risk people, such as transportation vouchers.
The minister noted community mobilization projects like the Portage Hub are an integral part of the province’s Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy, which was released in March 2018. It reflects the strategy’s focus on evidence-based investments to reduce crime and support community safety.
The province’s investment is part of Manitoba’s share of forfeited funds from federally prosecuted Criminal Code offences. In December, the Manitoba government announced close to $450,000 will be distributed to police agencies to help their efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and reduce crime.
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