May 28, 2010

NDP BROKE ELECTION PROMISE TO HIRE NEW POLICE OFFICERS: McFADYEN

130 promised new officer are needed right now: McFadyen

 In light of a deadly week of gun violence and gang activity on the streets of Winnipeg, the NDP needs to make good on their promise to fund 130 new officers, says Progressive Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen. 

“Broken promises aren’t keeping our streets safe,” said McFadyen. “Innocent victims are getting caught in the crossfire of gang violence and people aren’t safe in their own homes. We need those new officers now.” 

The NDP promised 100 new officers in the last election plus an additional 30 officers after receiving a $14.4 million cheque from Ottawa two years ago, McFadyen added. The NDP has admitted they have only funded 64 new hires since 2008.  

When the NDP accepted the money from the Harper government in 2008, then acting Attorney General Gord Mackintosh vowed it would be spent on hiring 30 new officers above the campaign promise of 100 police position.  Mackintosh also said the new officers would hit the streets within two years. Half the new officers were to be hired in Winnipeg and the other half divided between rural police agencies and the RCMP. To date, the NDP hasn’t applied the Federal money to new hires.  

“The NDP should keep their promise and hire another 66 officers,” said McFadyen. “When will we see those officers on the streets protecting our citizens?”