VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/14 -- Public Safety Canada
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, along with John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, today announced $4,106,413 in federal funding over five years for the crime prevention project Changing Direction in Support of Aboriginal Youth, which will help at-risk youth in Nanaimo and Williams Lake, British Columbia.
The project, run by the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia, will provide targeted intervention to approximately 200 Aboriginal youth aged 12 to 18 who are at risk of becoming involved in gang activity. By providing individualized counselling programs, mentorship, and focusing on traditional activities, the Association will help youth avoid involvement in criminal activity and will reinforce a healthy attachment to community and culture.
Quick Facts
-- From April 2012 to March 2013, our Government funded 105 active, multi-
year community-based crime prevention projects through the National
Crime Prevention Centre, in which more than 16,000 at-risk youth
participated.
-- Since the creation of the Youth Gang Prevention Fund in 2007, $27.9
million in funding has been approved for a total of 19 projects across
Canada.
-- The Government of Canada has committed to ongoing funding to support the
Youth Gang Prevention Fund. This fund invests in communities where youth
gangs are an existing or emerging threat, and supports initiatives that
clearly target youth in gangs or at greatest risk of joining gangs.
-- This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Native Courtworker and
Counselling Association of British Columbia.
Quotes
"Our Government is tackling crime and building safer communities for Canadians. I am pleased to support a project that will help Aboriginal youth in Nanaimo and Williams Lake who are at risk of gang involvement. This is a collaborative effort and together we will ensure our youth are better equipped to make smart choices while avoiding getting involved in crime."
- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
"Keeping our communities safe and secure has been a key commitment of our Government since day one. This type of prevention program will address the needs of the most vulnerable youth in the region and provide community-level support services that will help them steer clear of gang involvement and crime. I have personally worked with school officials, teachers, parents and coaches to bring out the best of leadership and community spirit in the wonderful youth of our community."
- John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country
Associated Links
- Public Safety's National Crime Prevention Centre
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
