“We understand that when these supports are offered at the earliest point possible it provides the greatest potential for connection to restorative justice programming,” said Manitoba Justice Minister Cameron Friesen at a June 29 announcement. “It helps [accused persons] understand what happens when they are charged and explains what they might go through as they move through the courts.”
A cost-shared agreement between Manitoba and the federal government will provide a total of about $1 million in grants to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimanakak (MKO), the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and the Island Lake Tribal Council for each of the next two years, slightly more than what the province has spent on the program over the past few years. Friesen said this is the model in other Canadian jurisdictions and that the government no plans to reclaim the programs at the end of the current funding cycle.