Manitoba First Nations police and safety officers get $163.5 million

How the $163.5 million is split

121 $M for the police service 42.5 $M for safety officers

The provincial and federal funding gives the Manitoba First Nations Police Service $121 million over four years. The safety officer program gets $42.5 million to open it to any community that wants it.

Where someone lives should not determine the level of policing or investigational services they receive.

— Jason Colon, Manitoba First Nations Police Service chief

Manto Sipi Cree Nation relies on safety officers while it waits for the RCMP, whose nearest station is more than 50 km away and whose response can take up to three hours in winter, said Chief Michael Yellowback. He said $42 million won't go a long way for 63 First Nations.

What's next

Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches said his community received around $1 million and welcomed it, but called for continued support beyond this announcement.