Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/318918
BIZ 'peg MAY 2014 | 23 AsperMBA The new Growing leaders in every field umanitoba.ca/asper/mba Discover your potential. Register now for an Info Session. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SCIENCES economy, as Clunis points out. In particular, the public's general perception of a city — whether locally, nationally or internationally — has an impact on the number of businesses willing to invest or set up shop here, he says. "If Winnipeg is going to be an economically viable city in the future, then we need to address the perception out there right now that we're the murder capital or the crime capital." To achieve that end, the LiveSAFE strategy recommends a cross- sectoral working group led by the city's Police and Community Services departments, with representation from the provincial and federal governments, as well as business, academic, community and faith- based partners. "The role of the business community is signifi cant, as the success of LiveSAFE will have a direct impact on Winnipeg's economy," says Clive Wightman, director of Community Services. There are a number of ways the business community can participate — including mentoring and hiring youth for part-time and summer employment, sponsoring community events or programs that help mitigate anti-social behaviours (including those that have a direct impact on businesses, such as vandalism, trespassing and theft), and sponsoring programs that train youth to meet their particular employment requirements. "Youth are our future," Wightman says. "These assets need to be given an opportunity to engage in our economy. The alternative is the continuation of activities we continually read about in the media. "Imagine what can be achieved with the proper investments in our children and youth — integrated investments that are tied to defi ned outcomes, with appropriate measurement, accountability and evaluation processes embedded." In the end, the city's annual crime statistics will serve as the best metrics by which to gauge the program's success, though Clunis says he places equal importance on public surveying that explores the safety and health of individual neighbourhoods and communities. He's proud of the progress made so far — in particular the widespread support for the strategy from all levels of government. "Each city department head has indicated that for them, the LiveSAFE initiative is the No. 1 priority for the city," Clunis says. "To have that kind of impetus and force behind us, I really foresee only success." "THE ROLE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS SIGNIFICANT, AS THE SUCCESS OF LIVESAFE WILL HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON WINNIPEG'S ECONOMY." Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis says we all have a role to play in fi ghting crime.