News Release

Date: January 15, 2009

For immediate release

Government of Canada takes action to prevent crime in British Columbia

VANCOUVER, January 15, 2009 – Today, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, along with the Honourable Wally Oppal, BC Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, on behalf of the Honourable John van Dongen, BC Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety, announced federal funding to support five crime prevention projects that will help at-risk youth in British Columbia.

“The funding announced today will support local projects that provide at-risk youth in British Columbia with positive alternatives and networks to help them achieve their goals,” said Minister Van Loan. “By addressing crime before it happens, we are building stronger communities and creating a brighter future for youth.”

“This funding will assist front-line organizations who are working closely with British Columbia at-risk youth,” said British Columbia Attorney General Wally Oppal. “Our government will continue to support vulnerable children, youth and families as we work together making our province a safer and healthier place to live.”

The funding comes from the Government of Canada’s National Crime Prevention Strategy, which provides funding support to selected projects that contribute to preventing crime and to increasing knowledge about what works in crime prevention. Priorities for funding include:

• addressing early risk factors among vulnerable children and youth;
• preventing youth gang and drug-related crime;
• preventing recidivism among high-risk groups; and
• fostering crime prevention in Aboriginal communities.

Budget 2008 provides $30 million per year in additional, ongoing funds to the National Crime Prevention Strategy. These funds are in addition to the Strategy’s permanent annual funding base of $33 million. The strategy is administered by Public Safety Canada's National Crime Prevention Centre and is managed in collaboration with the provinces and territories.

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For more information, please visit the website www.tacklingcrime.gc.ca.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657