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Security may be increased at Manitoba constituency offices after fires and vandalism

  • Steve Lambert

  • Canadian Press

  • October 1, 2025

The legislative assembly during the first session of the 43rd Manitoba legislature at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim

WINNIPEG -- Security at constituency offices for Manitoba legislature members may be increased in the wake of recent fires and vandalism.

Premier Wab Kinew says talks are getting underway with an all-party commission that oversees politician expenses about whether funding for security systems ought to be increased.

Kinew's comment came one day after a fire broke out at the constituency office of Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine.

Windows at the same office were smashed earlier this month, and there have been four reports of small fires being set at the constituency office of Bernadette Smith, another NDP cabinet minister.

Politicians currently receive $4,400 for security systems at their constituency offices, which are often in small storefronts accessible to the public, and their homes.

NDP and Opposition Progressive Conservative members condemned political violence during the first day of the fall legislature sitting.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2025.