Home Newsroom 2005 News releases (archive) 2005-01-21: Crime prevention funding

Crime prevention funding of close to $3 million provided to British Columbia communities

Vancouver, January 21, 2005 -- Today the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), on behalf of the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, along with the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for the Province of British Columbia, announced $2,926,909 in support of 104 community-based crime prevention initiatives in British Columbia. The funding has been made available under the Government of Canada’s National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS).

“Each of these projects sends a message, loud and clear, that British Columbians have taken up the challenge of preventing crime before it happens,” said Minister Owen. “ The Government of Canada is proud to work towards a common cause with organizations across the province, supporting community-based initiatives that, together, will keep building a safe and healthy British Columbia.”

“I am pleased that these initiatives focus on British Columbia’s youth,” said Minister Coleman. “Building positive attitudes, discouraging racism and bullying, and helping youth overcome addictions contributes to safer communities.”

The NCPS takes an early-intervention approach to prevention and community safety, supporting grass-roots responses that deal with the underlying causes of crime and victimization, such as family violence, gang recruitment and substance abuse. It has identified children and youth, Aboriginal people and their communities, and the personal security of women and girls as its key priorities for advancing community-based responses to crime. Many of the projects announced today, at the Vancouver Technical Secondary School, work with and for young people.

Launched in 1998, the NCPS has built on the strengths of partnerships to support over 4,400 projects nationwide. The National Strategy provides community organizations with financial support, as well as tools, knowledge, and expertise on effective crime prevention activities. As part of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the National Strategy serves as the first link in the Government’s public safety continuum.

See also:

• Backgrounder
• Complete list of projects

For further information:

Vera Lagasse
Regional Director
National Crime Prevention Strategy
(604) 897-0553

Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 954-1110

Mark Stokes
Director, Communications National Crime Prevention Strategy
(613) 954-1721

Cindy Rose
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, British Columbia
(250) 356-6961