The Manitoba government is investing more than $2.8 million in restorative justice programs this year, an increase of $400,000 over the previous fiscal year.  This increase includes additional investments of $50,000 with both Manitoba Métis Federation and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. The province is providing a $35,000 grant for the City of Thompson to work with a consultant and develop a community safety and well-being strategy.  The goal is to create a tool that identifies risks and social factors that contribute to crime and victimization, identify initiatives to address these factors and set measurable outcomes. To help improve timely access to justice in the north, the Manitoba government has launched Restorative Justice North in partnership with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).  This pilot project brings restorative justice partners together to assess and divert matters into appropriate programs and resolve them in a more timely way.