While preparing recent analysis on the cost of the criminal element to Manitoba taxpayers, I filed an FOI with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority(WRHA) to find out how much is spent each year on treating those that have been shot or stabbed.

Unfortunately, while the WRHA had data on the number of stabbing & shooting victims it helps each year, it was not able to provide an estimate on the cost of providing assistance to the individuals.

In the response, the WRHA notes that the numbers provided represent both intentional and unintentional occurances. Thus if you were sitting on your front porch polishing your gun and accidentally shot yourself in the stomach, you too would have been included in their "shooting victims" count.

But let's face it, given recent StatsCan crime numbers, most Winnipeggers can probably figure out how the injuries occurred.

In any case, here are the numbers:

And here is the WRHA's response - click here.

By: Colin Craig
Posted: July 23, 2010
Topic: Manitoba

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