A new StatsCan report that shows Manitoba youth are charged with the most murders in Canada, combined with a new Probe research poll naming crime as the top concern here and more violent headlines proves yet again the NDP has failed to take crime seriously, say Official Opposition Leader Hugh McFadyen and PC Justice Critic Gerald Hawranik.

Manitoba had the highest rate in Canada – more than double that of the next closest province, with 18 youths aged 12 –17 accused of homicide in 2006.

McFadyen said the federal Conservative government just introduced a Throne Speech chalked full of get tough on crime initiatives, but the federal NDP has indicated they will vote against it.

“The NDP – including its federal counterpart – continues to pay nothing but lip service when it comes to actually cracking down,” McFadyen said.

Hawranik said crime is the No.1 concern of Manitobans and Winnipeggers – fear that has flourished because of the NDP’s failure to get tough on criminals.

“Just two years ago infrastructure was the top issue on the minds of Manitobans,” Hawranik said, referencing the Probe poll. “Today, 35 percent of Manitobans – up from 25 percent in 2006 – report crime as their top concern, while 44 percent of Winnipeggers – up a shocking from 21% since 2005 – report the same.”