AMC Responds to Province’s Expansion of Electronic Monitoring Program to Address Intimate Partner Violence

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the Province of Manitoba’s decision to expand its electronic monitoring program to address intimate partner violence, a measure that reflects efforts to combat the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).

This initiative aligns with several Calls for Justice outlined in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, particularly those focused on enhancing safety for vulnerable individuals and communities.

While the AMC supports this development in addressing intimate partner violence, we remain cautious and stress the critical importance of designing and implementing such programs to meet the specific needs and concerns of First Nations. Effective implementation must include meaningful consultation with First Nations Leadership, citizens, and organizations to ensure cultural sensitivity, adequate resources, and community-based approaches are prioritized.

Electronic monitoring may serve as a useful tool to hold offenders accountable, and we commend the safety measures to support survivors, but it must not be seen as a replacement for the comprehensive, long-term solutions required to address the root causes of violence in First Nations. The AMC continues to advocate for a holistic approach that includes:

• Accessible support services for survivors;
• Greater investments in First Nations-led safety initiatives; and
• Enhanced education and prevention efforts to break the cycle of violence.

The AMC remains committed to working alongside the Province of Manitoba, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders to advance justice for First Nations peoples, particularly women and girls who continue to experience disproportionate levels of violence.

We will continue to hold all levels of government accountable for implementing the MMIWG Calls for Justice, ensuring all measures taken are grounded in the principles of healing, justice, and self-determination.

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

NT5