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.

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“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.”