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March 1, 2012

“The Federal Government’s Omnibus Crime Bill C-10 will cost Manitoba taxpayers $90 million a year when it becomes law” according to John Hutton, executive director of the John Howard Society of Manitoba. “We think the public should know what the cost is going to be, and what we could be spending to prevent crime instead.”

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Canadian CED Network, the John Howard Society of Manitoba and several other social service agencies worked together to create a report on the cost of the omnibus bill, that only addresses crime once it has happened, to Manitoba along with a detailed list of alternatives aimed at preventing crime instead. The report is called Bill C-10: The Truth about Consequences.

Speaking at the release of the report, Kathy Mallet, co-director of CEDA noted that Aboriginal graduation rates in the inner city range from only 20 to 50% ‘which is shameful, as education is key to helping young people grow into strong, productive members of the community. Instead of spending to build more jails, we should be investing to improve education for Aboriginal students.”

Another speaker, Larry Morrissette, executive director of Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin (OPK) which helps ex-gang members find and keep employment noted that the government should be investing in hope, not jails. “46% percent of Aboriginal kids who don’t finish high-school end up in jail or prison – because they don’t have hope for a future. Employment programs that are specifically aimed at helping those with a criminal record find a job and a career are really important, because a job leads to a future without jail.”

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[ Download the full report ]

For more information contact:

Lynne Fernandez – CCPA – MB
204-927-3207 or c) 204-619-3243

John Hutton, JHS MB
204-775-1514 or c) 204-612-4570

Kirsten Bernas, Canadian CED Network – MB
204-688-7050

(En Francais)
David Alper, JHS MB,
204-1818, x.: 730