Recidivism rate spiking: Man. Tories

Statistics suggest a spike in the number of Manitoba criminals who get released from jail only to break the law again.

Figures from Manitoba Justice show 75 per cent of people released from provincial jails in the last three months of 2007 were accused of breaking a law or court order by the end of last year.

That's the highest rate of recidivism within a two-year period since 2002.

The numbers were obtained through a freedom of information request by the provincial Opposition Progressive Conservative Party, which is calling for a crackdown on crime.

Partyleader Hugh McFadyen says there should be drug treatment programs to help convicts beat addiction and longer sentences for serious crimes.

McFadyen also says the provincial government must ensure that time spent in jail is harsh, so that convicts will not want to go back.