January 6, 2014 – Maskwacis, Alberta
Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, Blaine Calkins, on behalf of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Steven Blaney, was in Maskwacis (formerly Hobbema) today to announce $2,895,321 in federal funding for a new crime prevention project targeting gang violence in the First Nation communities of Samson Cree Nation, Ermineskin First Nation, Louis Bull First Nation and Montana First Nation.
The Maskwacis Conflict Resolution Program: Maskwacis Youth Initiative, run by the Samson Cree Nation, will work with approximately 600 Aboriginal youth, aged 14-25, who are either gang involved or at risk of gang involvement and violent behaviour. By promoting community involvement, education and employment skills, and counselling programs, the project will help youth make smart choices and avoid involvement in criminal activity.
Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
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