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The Manitoba government hosted a summit in Winnipeg on Friday to address alleged extortion incidents that have targeted specific communities, including Punjabi business owners, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said.
Officials say suspects are preying on individuals in vulnerable groups, including newcomers and people with expired work permits, and many victims have been reluctant to report crimes due to fear of retaliation or immigration consequences.
To support those communities, the province announced $100,000 in funding for the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce to boost outreach and engagement with businesses affected by extortion.
Targeted support for Punjabi business community
The Punjabi Chamber of Commerce will use the funding to connect businesses with anti-extortion resources and strengthen relationships with law enforcement. It is also working with police and other agencies to create an extortion helpline where victims and witnesses can receive support and report incidents safely.
Premier Kinew said businesses deserve to operate without fear.
“Business owners deserve to operate without fearing for the safety of their families, businesses and livelihoods,” he said. “Our government is working with business organizations and law enforcement agencies to address concerns and find solutions to ensure hardworking Manitobans are safe.”
Justice Minister Wiebe said it’s important to have culturally informed responses and better cooperation between agencies.
“We want victims and witnesses to feel safe and protected to come forward and perpetrators to know they will be caught and held accountable,” Wiebe said.
Law enforcement and city leaders unite
Representatives from the Winnipeg Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency also attended the summit.
Mayor Scott Gillingham thanked the provincial government for hosting the event and highlighted the need for coordinated action across jurisdictions.
“Thank you to the Manitoba government for hosting this summit and announcing new supports and to the federal government for moving new legislation to help us fight back,” the mayor said. “When all levels of government and law enforcement work together, we can better protect local businesses and hold offenders accountable.”
Summit attendees were reminded about available supports for at-risk businesses and families, including the Manitoba Security Rebate Program, which helps lower the cost of security upgrades such as cameras and alarm systems.
