Last week, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce was proud to support the Retail Secure Manitoba Summit hosted by the Retail Council of Canada. The event was attended by business and industry leaders, members of the justice system, and elected officials including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Matt Wiebe, the Mayor of Winnipeg, Scott Gillingham, and the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew. Several local chambers of commerce were also in attendance including the Renee Greyeyes, CEO & President, Indigenous Chamber of Commerce; Stefanie Dunn, Executive Director, Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and Kevin Selch from Little Brown Jug, who was sworn in as Board Chair of Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce last week.
Government Addresses Highlighted the Success of the Retail Theft Initiative
Minister Wiebe shared 2023 crime statistics showing double digit increases in shoplifting and robberies in Manitoba and to a greater extent in Winnipeg. He announced efforts to curtail these increases with a push for bail reform and the use of ankle bracelets to manage bail conditions. Wiebe highlighted the success of the retail theft initiative which provided funding for overtime police officers, which led to 187 arrests and $15,000 in recovered goods. He also discussed long-term solutions, including community policing, modernizing security services, and restricting long-bladed weapons. He advised that public consultations will be done for the restrictions, and that the government will announce a public safety strategy in the coming months.
Premier Kinew emphasized that the provincial government is taking a dual approach to addressing crime, focusing on being tough on both crime and its root causes. He noted that the government’s school student meal program that includes on-reserve students provides measures to keep at-risk students in school. He highlighted that addictions and drugs are major drivers of crime, with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership leading preventive measures. Additionally, the government announced that is has housed 1,200 Manitobans since last October, though the need remains high, and they’ll continue to strive for more.
Mayor Gillingham stressed that retail crime isn’t victimless. It can have a lasting effect on young workers. He shared a personal story about his child experiencing a store robbery and how this can impact the whole family. He praised Winnipeg Police Services Inspector Jennifer McKinnon, the leader of the retail theft initiative, and reiterated the positive impact on local stores, including from stores that had noted incidents prior to the initiative.
Public Interest Increasing for Retail Crime
Leger, in partnership with RCC conducted a survey and the results revealed that 66% of respondents view retail crime as a serious issue, with 82% believing shoplifting has worsened in recent years. Additionally, 44% have felt unsafe in a retail environment which shows the breadth of the problem for retailers. 72% of respondents felt that tougher consequences for shoplifters would help deter these thefts and that the thefts were a cause of retail price increases. The survey results demonstrate a need for both short-term and long-term measures to address retail crime that will benefit both the public and businesses.
Justice System Provides Context Around Retail Crime
Ray Wyant expressed concern over declining confidence in the justice system due to a lack of awareness. He discussed the pillars of the criminal justice system, emphasizing the presumption of innocence and the right to reasonable bail. Wyant highlighted the mental health and addictions crisis, advocating for community-based solutions and early interventions, noting that people don’t get better in jail and that the justice system alone cannot solve the root causes of crime.
Manitoba Prosecution Services explained that organized theft is treated differently by prosecutors and encouraged businesses to provide comprehensive evidence and impact stories. This added context that can result in stronger sentencing for those not involved in thefts of desperation. They also advocated for restorative justice, noting an 88% success rate in avoiding reconviction within two years when implemented.
Overall, this event highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to tackle retail crime, involving government initiatives, community partnerships, and business involvement. By working together, Manitoba’s business community can make inroads on an issue that affects the entire province. MCC has been an advocate for increased safety measures and will continue to support safety initiatives that will provide safety for the business community and the whole province.
Thank you to the Retail Council of Canada for bringing together the business community with government and community leaders at this important event. Learn more about the work by the Retail Council of Canada and find resources in their website.
