NDP Denies Justice for Jordyn
NDP refuse to support review of flawed prosecution decision: Balcaen
WINNIPEG — Today, Leader of the Official Opposition Wayne Ewasko and PC Justice Critic Wayne Balcaen questioned Wab Kinew and his NDP for turning their back on justice and blocking a review of the decision not to prosecute an accomplice in the tragic death of Jordyn Reimer.
“The NDP had the chance to stand with the Reimer family and all Manitobans who believe in justice today, but instead they sided with a system that has failed,” said Ewasko. “The NDP’s decision to block a review into Jordyn Reimer’s death is an insult to all victims of impaired driving and their families.”
Jordyn was killed by an impaired driver on May 1, 2022, while acting as a designated driver for her friends. Though the driver was convicted, the individual who handed him the keys walked free, despite the Winnipeg Police Service recommending charges.
Today’s motion called on the NDP to refer the case to out-of-province Crown attorneys for review, a step with clear precedent in Manitoba. In 2022, the Peter Nygard case was referred to Saskatchewan for review, and similar cases in New Zealand show accomplices can and should be held accountable in impaired driving incidents.
“The Reimer family has fought tirelessly for justice, but their pleas have been ignored by Premier Wab Kinew and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Matt Wiebe,” said Balcaen. “Today’s decision by the NDP denies them the justice they seek. As Attorney General, the minister has the power to order a review. He needs to do what is right, not what is popular in his caucus.”
Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives will continue to stand with the Reimer family and push for accountability in Jordyn’s death. Manitobans deserve a government that puts justice for victims first.
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For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca