Goertzen wants bail more difficult for people charged with knife crimes

Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says he has written a letter to his federal counterpart asking for changes to the Criminal Code related to the use of knives in crimes.

Goertzen says in a statement the change would make it more difficult to get bail if a knife was used during an offence – just as it is currently for guns.

Goertzen says knives are the primary weapon in many acts of violence.

“Given the prevalence of violent crimes committed with knives, both in Manitoba and Canada, this is an important change in the interest of public safety,” Goertzen said in a statement.

“The Manitoba government will be offering further suggestions related to the Criminal Code, in the interests of improving public safety, in the weeks ahead.”