The federal government passed tough new crime measures yesterday, introducing new firearms offences and making it more difficult for people accused of violent gun crimes to get bail. The city this week officially introduced an automated license plate recognition system to identify stolen vehicles. Manitoba’s NDP government remains oblivious – even as Winnipeg is gripped by another violent crime spree, says Progressive Conservative Justice Critic Gerald Hawranik.

This morning, three stabbings occurred in Winnipeg in the span of two hours. As the city and federal government take action, the provincial NDP continues to sit idle and silent. 

“Incidents like this and others should prompt a firm and calculated response from the NDP government, but instead, its deafening silence is more proof the NDP has no idea how to tackle the crime problem in Winnipeg,” Hawranik said. “For eight years, this government has cowered from crime so when violence erupts, Winnipeggers are left wondering if they are they are safe in the their communities.”

In the last 9 days, Winnipeg has seen:

·         Feb 29 – 3 stabbings reported in 2 hours

·         Feb 28 – A man shot on Manitoba Avenue

·         Feb 26 – A man and woman arrested for a string of robberies at knifepoint

·         Feb 25 – A police officer fired his gun after two men tried to run him down in a stolen car

·         Feb 24 – A male fired a shot through a window of a house on Furby Street

·         Feb 23 – 13-year-old male shot in upper body on Home Street and succumbed to his injuries

“This is a frightening trend because this string of violent crimes is not a coincidence,” said Hawranik. “Not only is Winnipeg leading the country in violent crime, but police are also saying there seems to be a increasing disregard for human life – and it’s becoming more alarming each day.”

Hawranik said if the problem is going to be addressed, the NDP should learn from Conservatives – both federal and provincial – because it’s going to take real reform of the justice system and a new way of looking at how we combat crime for the long-term.