Recent data obtained by CBC News reveals that over 60% of individuals released with ankle monitors in Manitoba since August 2024 were rearrested or violated their release conditions. The Justice Minister’s office reported that out of 530 participants in the program until October 16, 2025, 243 were rearrested, 53 absconded by removing the device, 16 damaged the strap, and 12 let the battery run out. Additionally, 11 individuals had charges stayed, 19 were sentenced, and one was acquitted. Eight people had their monitoring conditions removed, while one person passed away while wearing the device. As of the latest data, 166 individuals still had ankle monitors.
The disclosure of these statistics came after previous refusals by the province and was prompted by CBC’s discovery of similar figures during a recent court hearing. During the hearing, prosecutors highlighted the program’s limitations, leading to the denial of bail for an individual facing domestic violence-related charges.
The introduction of ankle monitors in Manitoba aimed to prevent reoffending and ensure compliance with release conditions through 24/7 GPS tracking and real-time communication features. However, the program’s efficacy has been questioned, with experts and legal professionals expressing concerns over its high failure rate. While Justice Minister Wiebe maintains that the program is yielding positive results by enhancing authorities’ ability to locate offenders swiftly, critics argue that the current success metrics are misleading.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the program’s effectiveness, the government has allocated over $4 million for ankle monitoring initiatives. This financial commitment has sparked discussions about the allocation of resources, with some suggesting that investing in addiction and mental health services may be more beneficial than expanding electronic monitoring programs.
As the future of ankle monitoring in Manitoba remains under scrutiny, Justice Minister Wiebe affirms the government’s commitment to evaluating and potentially expanding the program based on community feedback and outcomes assessment.