The Manitoba government is set to hire 25 new Crown attorneys in order to bolster the province’s prosecution service.
Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced the $3.4-million investment Monday afternoon. In addition to the attorneys, six new legal staff will be hired to support them.
Goertzen said this investment represents the larges single increase in crown attorneys in the past 15 years, which he said will help address increased workloads being faced by prosecutors.
“Addressing workload concerns is a crucial step toward maintaining a high standard of legal services,” added Goertzen. “By providing the additional resources and support, we aim to reduce the risk of burnout, ensure quality prosecutions, and handle more complex civil matters internally, thereby reducing costs associated with external counsel.”
In April, the Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys filed a grievance with the provincial government, citing burnout created by significant workloads, complex cases, and the departure of experienced prosecutors. The association has also entered arbitration with the province over their collective agreement, after 94 per cent of MACA members voted to reject the final offer from the province.
These new positions will add to the 10 Crown positions announced by the province in February. The previous $1.4 million investment promised seven Crown positions, six of which have been filled, and three support staff dedicated to addressing violent crime and firearm offences.