Municipalities Call For Bail Reform
Welcome to Municipal Affairs.
We turn our attention to an issue that is resonating in communities across Canada—bail reform. Municipalities are stepping up, making their voices heard, and demanding change.
Here in Manitoba, the calls for reform have reached a breaking point. It was the tragic death of 28-year-old Kellie Verwey in Portage la Prairie that ignited a movement. Verwey, a dedicated city tourism coordinator, was killed in a collision police say was caused by a man who should never have been on the streets—a repeat offender out on bail, with multiple violations and an active warrant for his arrest.
The frustration and anger in Portage la Prairie spilled over when Mayor Sharilyn Knox took a stand, penning a critical open letter to Manitoba’s Justice Minister, Matt Wiebe. Her message was clear: the justice system is failing the public, and it’s time for leaders to take bold action. Since then, municipalities across the province have rallied behind her, echoing the urgent call for reform.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett has also voiced his concerns, saying that while bail reform has long been an issue for his city’s council, this latest tragedy was the tipping point. The voices of Manitoba’s municipal leaders are growing louder, unified in their demand for change—not just in their province, but across the country.
So, what needs to change? What specific reforms are municipalities calling for? And will provincial and federal governments answer the call?
We sit down with Mayor Sharilyn Knox of Portage la Prairie and Mayor Jeff Fawcett of Brandon to discuss the challenges, the demands, and what real action on bail reform could look like.
This is Municipal Affairs.
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