Federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer is in Winnipeg.

This morning he announced part three of his 'A Safer Canada' plan, as the Opposition leader campaigns ahead of the 2019 October election.

"...A Conservative government will better equip police to protect our communities, starting with a targeted investment to fight gang crime across Canada. We will establish a police infrastructure grant program, so our police forces can upgrade their equipment and access new innovative technologies," said Scheer. He said the Conservatives would speed up background checks for new firearm licence applicants, require all guns seized in connection to crime to be added to appropriate databases, and would increase funding to the Youth Gang Prevention Fund.

Scheer also said prison time should be meaningful, and a Conservative government would reform the prison skills training system.

"A Conservative government will conduct a comprehensive audit of all correctional services programs so that those who want to make a fresh start upon their release will be able to do so.

A town hall with Scheer will be held this evening at the Canad Inns Destination Centre Garden City, beginning at 7. Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen will host. She says it will be an open conversation.