'It’s non-stop': Province putting up new money to help curb crime
The province is putting up new money to help families and businesses curb crime.
But advocates and business owners are questioning if it’s enough to make a real difference.
“It’s non-stop,” said Ravi Ramberran, owner of Four Crowns Bar and Grill on McPhillips.
Just last week, Ramberran and his staff stopped two people trying to break in.
He said that’s a common occurrence.
“The truth is, it's the businesses that are getting attacked so much these days, where things are getting stolen, people are getting attacked, people are getting stabbed. People are getting pepper sprayed, robbed... So we want to protect these places as well," said Ramberran.
These concerns have reached the ears at the Manitoba Legislature.
Manitoba’s 2024 budget makes good on an NDP campaign promise to create a new $300 rebate for those purchasing, or upgrading their home or business security system.
“This $300 credit is, basically, you save the receipt for the home security device, you send it to us, we send you a $300 check,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.
“It's definitely not enough to cover all the costs that a lot of the Manitoba small businesses are seeing related to crime,” said Seorhin Yoo, a policy analyst at the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB).
The rebate is something the CFIB has been advocating for, but Yoo said $300 just doesn’t go far enough.
“B.C. has a similar program like this, it's a lot bigger. So they provide preventative and reparative rebates for small businesses up to $1,000 to $2,000. So this is something that we would like to see the Manitoba government replicate as well," said Yoo.
It’s a drop in the bucket for the security upgrades Ramberran has had to make.
“We just upgraded our camera system here and it was close to about $10,000 to $15,000. So for this as a business, it wouldn't go very far.”
Meantime, Kinew said, “A provincial government can't do everything. So we're making some important decisions, we're gonna give you $300 to help with the home security camera.”
While it may not offset the cost of security for his restaurant, Ramberran said at least it's something.
“I think now, the government's realizing what's happening, and they're trying to put something out there to help and I appreciate that.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.