The Thompson RCMP detachment is using money seized as a result of criminal investigations in Manitoba to fund projects to benefit youth and families in Thompson and Brochet.
$85,166 from the province’s criminal property forfeiture fund will go towards a new playground in Brochet, fitness equipment for R.D. Parker Collegiate in Thompson and camping kits to enable seven families of students in the School District of Mystery Lake to participate in a land-based camp.
The funding was announced Oct. 6 by Justice Minister Cameron Friesen, who was in Thompson Oct. 4-5 for the launch of Thompson’s community safety and well-being strategy and to tour the city’s sobering centre site.
"Our government is supporting the Thompson detachment of the RCMP though the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for various priority investments to keep the Thompson area safe and help fund crime prevention,” said Friesen.
About half the funding – $45.873 – is going to build a playground in Brochet. $12,500 is going toward fitness equipment for RDPC.
"The Thompson RCMP detachment is pleased to have received funding from the Manitoba Justice Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to spearhead several health and well-being initiatives within the City of Thompson, as well as several remote communities served by the detachment,” said acting Thompson RCMP detachment officer-in-charge Staff Sgt. Jenny Melanson. “The use of monies seized from criminal activity will fund special youth-driven initiatives within our communities. This funding will serve as an investment to support programs, which are often only made possible through the allocation of these extra funds."
Established in 2009, the criminal property forfeiture fund has distributed more than $19.9 million obtained by seizing and liquidating criminal assets to initiatives that support communities, invest in youth and help victims of crime.
“Supporting youth in Manitoba’s northern communities is an important step in our journey of reconciliation,” said Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere. “We thank the RCMP for using these funds to engage youth through culturally proficient, land-based teachings to support community safety in Thompson.”
