Millions in funding allocated to Manitoba First Nations police and safety officers

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) and safety officers will receive a total of $163.5 million from the provincial and federal governments. Some First Nation leaders say the money is not enough and are seeking more support.

MFNPS will receive $121 million over four years. The Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program will get $42.5 million to expand the program so it is available to any community that wants it.

MFNPS Police Chief Jason Colon said where someone lives should not determine the level of policing or investigative services they receive. He said the expectations for his service are the same as those for any other police service in Manitoba, but MFNPS needs the capacity to meet them.

Manto Sipi Cree Nation Chief Michael Yellowback said his community relies on safety officers to respond to crime and potentially detain suspects while waiting for the nearest RCMP detachment to fly in. The nearest RCMP station is more than 50 kilometres away. Yellowback said RCMP response times can reach three hours in winter, when officers travel on winter roads.

Indigenous leaders have long advocated for funding. Safety officers are the first line of defence, watching who and what comes into and leaves a community.

“There are 63 First Nations in Manitoba, and $42 million won’t go a long way,” Yellowback said. He hopes the funding will benefit everyone, particularly his community, where First Nation officers need training and equipment.

Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches said his community received about $1 million for community safety and appreciates the government funding, which allows it to put resources toward other needs. He said ongoing support is still necessary: “We need to go beyond today’s announcement. We need to go beyond and seek continued support.”