OTTAWA, March 4, 2013 – Today, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced that the Harper Government will maintain funding for policing agreements with First Nation and Inuit communities under the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) for the next five years.
“Our Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. Today’s announcement provides stable multi-year funding for policing services in First Nation and Inuit communities. The Harper Government has worked with First Nation and Inuit communities, and provinces and territories, to significantly improve public safety,” said Minister Toews. “Our Government will continue to support First Nation and Inuit policing as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping our streets and communities safe.”
The FNPP supports professional, dedicated and culturally-responsive policing services to First Nation and Inuit communities. FNPP funding supplements existing funding and policing services provided by provinces and territories. In 2012-13, the FNPP is funding 163 policing agreements, which represent approximately 1,250 professionally-trained and dedicated police officers working in approximately 400 First Nation and Inuit communities, serving a total population of over 338,000.
The Harper Government will continue to work with its partners to explore ways to provide the most cost-effective and sustainable policing options, while making the safety and security of all Canadians a top priority.
This initiative is in keeping with the Harper Government’s Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which focuses on tackling crime, victims' rights, and fair and efficient justice system.
