More staff added to process applications for $300 security rebate

WINNIPEG — The province has added additional staff to process outstanding applications as part of the Manitoba security rebate program.

A provincial spokesperson tells ChrisD.ca that close to 8,000 applications came in from homeowners, tenants, and business owners.

The rebate, which offers $300 to purchase security equipment, such as cameras, motion sensors or lighting, opened in June and closed for applications in late August. It originally had a $500,000 cap, but was later expanded to $2 million due to high demand. As of October 21, more than $300,000 had been paid out.

The remaining applications are being expedited to be processed with the help of extra staff.

Many Manitobans have been questioning the status of their application to the program in recent weeks, without knowing if they would be approved for the rebate or denied.

One ChrisD.ca reader reported on Wednesday they have been waiting for three months without any communication from the province.

“All rebates will be paid out as soon as possible on a first-come, first-served basis,” a spokesperson said.

The program was first introduced as part of the province’s 2024 budget.

While first announcing the rebate program, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said crime and security were top issues in the provincial election campaign last year.