Factsheet

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA'S ROLE IN COMMUNITY SAFETY

There is no greater responsibility for a government than the safety of its citizens. The Government of Canada recognizes that a safer Canada is one where crime is not only punished but prevented. The Government also understands that a strong social safety net is an important element in promoting community safety. A number of important initiatives reflect this multi-faceted federal role, which includes:

National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS)

The National Crime Prevention Strategy is part of the Government of Canada's framework to help enhance the safety and security of Canadians in their homes and communities. The NCPS works in partnership with volunteers, academics, governments, foundations, community organizations and others to look at concrete ways to prevent crime. Since its launch in June, 1998, the NCPS has supported more than 5,000 projects nationwide. In February 2005, the Government announced an additional $90 million over three years to renew the Strategy.

Workforce Development

Research suggests that there is a strong link between unemployment levels and crime rates. The Government of Canada, through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), is committed to providing Canadians with the tools they need to thrive in the workplace and community. The Youth Employment Strategy (YES), for example, assists young Canadians – particularly those facing barriers to employment – to gain the skills and work experience they need to succeed in the workplace.

Furthermore, the Government of Canada is committed to improving the integration of internationally trained workers into the Canadian labour market and society. The Internationally Trained Workers Initiative (ITWI) includes partnerships with provinces and other key stakeholders, to improve the success of internationally trained workers in Canada.

Community Integration

The Government of Canada recognizes that immigrants need settlement services to successfully integrate into the Canadian labour force and into Canadian society. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) contributes close to $175 million annually for settlement services in communities across the country.

National Homelessness Initiative (NHI)

The National Homelessness Initiativeengages community partners and all levels of government to develop solutions aimed at alleviating homelessness. Through collaborative and cooperative efforts, communities are working hard to put into place the seamless web of services and supports that are necessary to help people make a successful transition from the street to a more stable and secure life. Believing that a continuum of supports established at the local level works best, the NHI invests in community-based projects right across Canada.

Youth Justice Renewal Initiative

The Youth Justice Renewal Initiative looks beyond legislation and the youth justice system to explore how society as a whole can address youth crime and its associated factors.

This initiative is based on three key directions: prevention, meaningful consequences for youth crime, and intensified rehabilitation and reintegration to help youth safely return to their communities. The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is a key element of the initiative.

ENFORCEMENT AND THE LAW

Gun violence and its adverse effects on community safety is a key concern for the Government of Canada. The federal government supports local authorities through both legislation and programs that target gun smuggling and gun violence at our borders and within our communities.

Investments to Combat the Criminal Use of Firearms

In May 2004, the Government of Canada invested $49 million to enhance law enforcement's capacity to combat gun crime. Ongoing funding was provided to the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST), within the RCMP. NWEST provides investigative support to front-line police agencies in gathering evidence to assist them in successfully prosecuting persons involved in firearms smuggling and trafficking.

Furthermore, eleven new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intelligence officers will be in place this month to work with partners across the country to combat firearms smuggling. Two of these officers are designated for Toronto.

Sentencing

The Criminal Code provides significant penalties for serious firearms offences.

These include mandatory minimum penalties of four years to a maximum of 14 years or life imprisonment for 10 serious offences committed with a firearm (e.g. manslaughter, attempted murder, robbery). In other serious cases, the offence of using a firearm in the commission of the offence is available, and it carries a minimum consecutive penalty of one year for a first offence and three years consecutive on a subsequent conviction. The weapons trafficking offence, possession for the purpose of trafficking and smuggling also attract minimum penalties of one year with a maximum of 10 years, as does the offence of unlawfully possessing a restricted or prohibited firearm with ammunition.

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