Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe speaks in Winnipeg on Friday, November 15, 2024. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
The Manitoba government is extending its electronic monitoring program to rural areas and expanding eligibility to aid survivors of intimate partner violence.
The initiative uses GPS ankle monitors to track offenders, providing real-time notifications if conditions are violated. The technology offers 24/7 monitoring, with features like location tracking, voice alerts, and vibration commands to ensure compliance with court orders.
“We’re also moving to ensuring women, girls and gender-diverse people throughout the province are better protected from their abusers by expanding the monitoring program to include cases of intimate partner violence,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe.
“This tool will help support survivors, build safer communities and help prevent future crime.”
Initially launched in August in Winnipeg, the expansion of the electronic monitoring program includes the following areas and their respective communities: Steinbach area (Sprague and Steinbach), Selkirk area (Grand Marais, Red River North and Selkirk), Pembina Valley (Carman, Winkler, Manitou and Morden), Central Plains (Amaranth, Portage la Prairie and Treherne), Blue Hills (Brandon, Carberry and Souris), Westman (Melita, Reston and Virden) and Parkland (Dauphin and Ste. Rose du Lac).
The devices use voice, audio and vibration commands, allowing for real-time communication with offenders and if necessary, loud alerts. In addition, the platform provides 24-7 monitoring and includes the ability to notify law enforcement of an individual’s location in real time.
The Manitoba government has allocated $2.9 million over two years for the program.
