Montréal, November 18, 2005 -- The Honourable Jean C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport and Political Lieutenant for Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Mr. Jacques P. Dupuis, Deputy Premier and Quebec Minister of Public Security, today announced over $1.6 million in funding to support 48 crime prevention initiatives in Quebec under the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS).“The projects for which we are announcing funding today clearly reflect the desire, commitment and determination of Quebec communities to prevent crime,” said Minister Lapierre. “The Government of Canada is proud to help them clearly identify the problems they face so that realistic and appropriate solutions can be found to make these communities healthier and safer places to live.”Minister Dupuis added that, “the Government of Quebec, in partnership with the federal government, is pleased to support the crime prevention efforts deployed in communities. Today’s announcement illustrates the local partners’ motivation and concerted effort to ensure that our young people prosper in a safe and healthy living environment. Quebec is proud of these projects; drawing on the strength of its convictions, it will continue to play a leadership role with its partners.”As part of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the National Crime Prevention Centre works in partnership with volunteers, academics, governments, foundations, community organizations and others to develop, implement and evaluate methods which help to prevent crime from happening in the first place. The Community Mobilization Program, which enabled support to the projects announced today, is managed in partnership with the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec.The Strategy helps enhance personal and public safety by investing in approaches that deal with the underlying causes of crime and victimization-- factors such as family distress, bullying or substance abuse. Launched in 1998, building on the strength of partnerships to support over 5000 projects nationwide, the National Crime Prevention Strategy makes a real difference in the lives of Canadians.In February 2005, the Government of Canada announced an additional $90 million over three years to renew the NCPS as a key measure to protect Canadians from crime and victimization. This will represent an additional investment of several million dollars for crime prevention in Quebec.For additional information, please contact the officials below. You may also visit Quebec’s Ministère de la Sécurité publique Website at www.msp.gouv.qc.ca.See also:Backgrounder: National Crime Prevention Strategy - Quebec RegionFor further information:Media RelationsPublic Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada(613) 991-0657 Alex SwannDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness(613) 991-2863Suzanne PerronRegional Director National Crime Prevention Centre(514) 233-6976Isabelle MignaultPress SecretaryOffice of the Quebec Minister of Public Security(418) 643-2112Anne-Marie LessardCommunication AdvisorMinistère de la Sécurité publique du Québec(418) 646-2512
