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April 23, 2001 Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is issuing an apology to Manitobans after learning that an individual who warned at-risk kids about the perils of auto theft at an event earlier this month now faces a number of new charges. At the time of the event, the individual in question also had an outstanding warrant issued for his arrest that the corporation was not aware of. The warrant related to an unresolved charge laid against him last year. Officials speaking at the event were not made aware of this information. The event took place at a Winnipeg school on April 5, 2001. The event was the public launch of an informational pamphlet directed toward young Manitobans about the consequences of auto theft and joy riding. The individual in question, a rapper who performed at the event, was recommended to MPI by police for his message encouraging young people to participate in constructive, not destructive, activities. MPI selected him for the event as research has repeatedly found that young people are reached most effectively through their peers. Also in attendance at the event were school officials and youth, MPI officials, the deputy police chief and other members of the Winnipeg Police Service and the Attorney General Gord Mackintosh, who is also the minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. In light of this new information, MPI wishes to be forthright with Manitobans and assure them that the corporation continues to take its efforts to fight auto theft very seriously. Contact:
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