The year has only just begun, but the NDP’s failure to get tough on crime has already been demonstrated with two homicides in as many days and shockingly, Premier Gary Doer refuses to see crime as an issue that needs his attention.

In the early hours of January 1, 2008, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed at a house party in Selkirk and just this morning, shots were fired in the 600 block of Magnus Avenue, killing a woman.

Progressive Conservative Justice Critic Gerald Hawranik says Manitoba’s crime problem is getting worse, not better under the NDP.

“It’s scary that just two days into 2008, we’ve already seen two homicides, but the premier has proven time and time again that crime isn’t an issue worthy of his attention,” Hawranik said. 

Just last week, a poll found more than one in three Manitobans think crime is the most important issue facing our province, Hawranik said.

“Crime continues to be top of mind for Manitobans, but doesn’t even register on Gary Doer’s list of NDP priorities for 2008,” Hawranik said, noting that on a local radio show this morning, the premier highlighted the NDP’s priorities for the upcoming year – but tackling crime wasn’t on his list. “Manitobans are right to be concerned because the NDP hasn’t made crime a priority for eight years, and they don’t intend to.”

Hawranik said while many Manitobans make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves and their lives, apparently Gary Doer didn’t think any new initiatives to crack down on crime were necessary for Manitoba.

“Increasing our population is great, but when people are getting caught in gunfire on the streets, it’s unlikely many people are going to be flocking to move to our province and quite likely, will cause people to leave for greener – and safer – pastures.”