Federally funded crime prevention project will target Aboriginal children and youth
October 16, 2014 Kamloops, British Columbia Public Safety Canada
Today, Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced $2.8 million in federal funding over five years for Project Venture Kamloops, a crime prevention project that will help Aboriginal youth in the Kamloops area.
This project is designed to help Aboriginal children and youth reconnect with their traditional values through a combination of in school, after school, weekend and summer programming. It further aims to reduce substance abuse and violent and aggressive behaviour by promoting a positive self-concept, fostering the development of new skills and encouraging community service learning.
Quick Facts
- The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society will deliver the project in collaboration with School District No.73, the RCMP and Thompson Rivers University to 320 children and youth aged 10 to 17 and their families.
- Project Venture is a model project developed by the National Indian Youth Leadership Project that has been extremely effective in preventing substance abuse and aggression among Aboriginal youths.
- The Government of Canada has a number of initiatives to help ensure that all Canadians feel safe in their own communities, including ongoing funding to support the Crime Prevention Action Fund.
- Since the creation of the Crime Prevention Action Fund in 2008, $178.1 million in funding has been approved for a total of 214 projects in communities across Canada.
Quotes
“Our Government is taking action to make Canadian streets and communities’ safer places to live, work, and raise our families. We are investing in programming and services for those who are most at risk of leading a life of violence and crime. When youth are engaged in healthy activities, they are increasingly connected to their community and are empowered to make positive choices.”
— The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“I am pleased to announce my support for a project that will increase public safety for my constituents in the community of Kamloops. Along with our partners, we are taking necessary steps to provide at-risk youth with the tools and opportunities they need to steer clear of crime and live in a safe community.”
— Cathy McLeod, M.P. Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo
Contacts
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
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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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
