Message from the UMFA President - Safety on UM Campuses

October 30, 2024

I know many of you continue to be concerned about the violent crimes that happened over the last week on the Fort Garry Campus. I would like to express my concern for the students affected. There is no place for violence on campus and everyone has the right to be safe at work and while attending university.

The UM administration has shared reminders about what to do in an emergency situation (call 911), how to contact Security Services (dial 555 from a university phone, or 204-474-9341), and the crisis supports available to faculty, staff, and students. I want to further highlight that UMFA’s staff are available as supports and resources to you about anything that involves your working conditions, or your ability to complete your work. Contact the UMFA office at 204-474-8272 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

In response to this violence, the UM administration almost immediately increased security on campus, which seems like an appropriate and welcomed first step, though it does not take into consideration that many students, faculty, and staff feel less safe when there is increased uniformed security present. Over the last year, faculty have been raising concerns about gaps in workplace health and safety measures, including physical security such as locks, doors, and other ways of regulating access to work and living spaces. I have raised these issues with the UM administration, including the UM President and Provost (Academic), and will continue discussions with the administration about ways to increase safety on campus. If you have specific safety concerns about your work environment, or if you experience a security or safety related incident, you should report these to your Local Area Safety and Health (LASH) committee. You can also copy UMFA on these reports – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

Additionally, I know that students come to you seeking help, feeling anxious and scared, or to report instances of gender-based and sexual violence. The UM’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre is a helpful resource on campus toward which you can direct students, or where you can seek advice and support yourself. 

Sincerely, 

Erik Thomson
President, University of Manitoba Faculty Association