Manitobans are sending Ottawa a powerful message: take urgent action to keep communities safe. A new Probe Research survey jointly commissioned by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) shows that nearly nine in ten Manitobans want immediate bail reform and changes to the Criminal Code to hold repeat offenders accountable.

The survey reveals that 88% of Manitobans strongly agree or somewhat agree the federal government must reform the bail system to hold repeat offenders accountable and prevent further crimes. Support is high across the province—from Winnipeg to rural and northern Manitoba.

The research also found that 72% of Manitobans want more federal funding for policing, with rural and northern communities especially likely to demand stronger federal support for local law enforcement.

“Municipal leaders across Manitoba continue to hear from residents that public safety is one of their top concerns,” said AMM President Kathy Valentino. “This survey sends a clear message to Ottawa: Manitobans want meaningful reforms to the bail system, and they want increased federal support for policing so communities can feel safe and secure.”

Echoing this call, AMBM President Ivan Normandeau stressed the unique challenges faced by smaller and bilingual municipalities: “Manitobans want Ottawa to step up with decisive action—bail reform and investments in local policing—because safety is the foundation for growth. Businesses won’t invest, families won’t put down roots, and communities can’t thrive unless residents feel secure. Economic development depends on safe streets.”

The survey, conducted by Probe Research from July 24 to August 11, 2025, surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 Manitobans. The results show a clear, urgent demand for federal leaders to work with municipalities to deliver the reforms and resources people expect.

To view the poll results, click here.

About the AMBM

The AMBM is the voice of bilingual municipal leadership in the province of Manitoba. It represents 16 municipal governments committed to offering services in both official languages to their residents. Together, these municipalities represent the majority of Manitoba’s population. Manitoba’s bilingual municipal leadership also leads the AMBM Group, a consortium of three organizations with complementary mandates: the AMBM, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, or CDEM) and Eco-West Canada (EWC), which specializes in the green economy. Complementing each other, these three organizations actively contribute to the development, vitality and sustainability of the province’s Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) and the province as a whole.

Information: Office of the Chief Executive Officer (O-CEO), 204-289-4077, bcdd-oceo@ambm.ca.