Winnipeg among highest homicide rates throughout Canada

Winnipeg is making its mark as a city with some of the highest homicide rates in the country.

According to Homicide Canada, a group that compiles statistics on Canadian homicides, Winnipeg is on track to surpass 40 homicide deaths for the sixth consecutive year.

According to Statistics Canada, Winnipeg saw a total of 45 homicides in 2023 — giving Manitoba the second highest homicide rate per 100,000 people.

Winnipeg police say the city has seen 39 homicides so far this year.

“We have moved on our public safety strategy,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “This is a comprehensive plan to get right to the crime that’s happening, be tough on that crime, but also what are the root causes and how can we make an impact in a larger way.”

While Manitoba still sits at a rate two times higher than the Canadian average, Wiebe says real change takes time. The justice minister highlighted initiatives that have been making an impact, including addressing the victims’ bill of rights; a comprehensive bail strategy released last spring; and additional funding for the Downtown Community Safety Partnership.

“Winnipeg’s downtown is Manitoba’s downtown, and so it is important to address the crime and the struggles right here in our downtown,” said Wiebe.

Wiebe also spoke about the need to fund police, which is why the province will be increasing police funding by 28 per cent, with a two per cent escalator funding for municipal law enforcement going forward.

“What we think is going to work is partnering with law enforcement, partnering with municipalities and really giving them the tools to keep our communities safe,” said Wiebe.

“Any violent crime, certainly and any homicide is one too many.”