03/15/2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg—The PC government has allowed vacancies within Manitoba’s Conservation Officer Service to jump to more than 20%.  

“This is yet another cut to law enforcement from the PCs. Conservation officers keep rural communities safe and ensure wildlife are respected,” said Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “As a father who is teaching my sons how to live off the land, I want to know they will be safe. I want these officers, who put their lives at risk, to know help is close by should they need it.”  

The Manitoba NDP obtained government documents that show the number of vacant positions within the service has increased to 21 out of 102 total positions. Vacancies are also rising year over year. The NDP presented the documents to the PC government in Question Period on Tuesday.  

The union representing the conservations service says officers are overworked and underpaid. They frequently relocate to Saskatchewan where wages are more competitive.