Manitoba Crown prosecutors quit mediation with the province, citing extreme workloads and burnout despite government claims of progress.
Crown Attorneys Leave Mediation Table
The Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys (MACA) ended labour-mediation talks with the provincial government on Friday, saying the province failed to bring meaningful proposals to address mounting workload pressures. The association represents Crown prosecutors across Manitoba and has long raised alarms about burnout and resource shortages.
Dispute Rooted in Longstanding Grievance
The conflict dates back to April 2023, when MACA filed a grievance demanding the province tackle what it described as “dangerously heavy caseloads.” Prosecutors sought higher pay, additional hires, and structural reforms to the justice system. After more than two years without resolution, arbitration was set to begin this week before talks broke down.
Workload Pressures Intensify
Ben Wickstrom, MACA’s vice-president of prosecutions, said Friday that the organization decided to walk away because “continuing wasn’t going to get us anywhere acceptable.” He said prosecutors need “real resources on a very urgent basis.” The introduction of body-worn cameras, along with proposed federal Criminal Code amendments leading to harsher sentences and more contested bail hearings, has sharply increased workloads.
Government Defends Its Record
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe responded that the NDP government has already hired 35 new prosecutors and raised compensation. “We’ve made significant progress,” he said, adding he was “disappointed and surprised” by MACA’s withdrawal. Wiebe emphasized the province remains willing to negotiate, though he warned the government “is not interested in negotiating through the media.”
Disagreement Over Staffing and Pay
MACA disputes the minister’s claims, asserting the hires merely filled existing vacancies rather than adding new positions. The pay raises, Wickstrom said, resulted from a February 2024 arbitration ruling granting a five-year contract with just under 14 per cent wage increases retroactive to 2022. “There’s a real disparity between Manitoba and other provinces,” he said, pointing to recruitment challenges as prosecutors leave for Ontario and B.C.
Next Steps and Broader Impact
MACA confirmed new arbitration dates are being arranged, though the process could take up to a year. In the meantime, Manitoba’s justice system faces continued strain amid staff shortages and heavy caseloads. The association warns that without additional resources, the province risks longer court delays and further attrition among experienced prosecutors.
Why It Matters to Manitobans
The breakdown underscores a growing crisis in Manitoba’s prosecution services. As workloads rise and retention falters, the stability of the justice system hangs in the balance. Both sides say they want a fair resolution — but for now, the province’s courtroom capacity remains under pressure, and public confidence could erode if the dispute drags on.
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