Many at-risk, vulnerable young people are often lured into joining gangs, or seeing a life of crime as their only option in their communities. The Government of Canada makes it a priority to support these young people through preventative programming for at-risk youth to help them confront their challenges, build trust and confidence, and discover a better path.

“These projects will train hundreds of young people to help their peers who are in danger of falling into gang activity, increasing life-long resiliency, and ultimately, reduced gang activity to keep our communities safe. They will make a meaningful and positive difference for Toronto’s young people and for their communities. These kinds of community outreach are effective and efficient at preventing crime while enhancing neighbourhood engagement.”

- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction

“Combating gun violence requires a coordinated effort that includes funding for programs and services that address the root causes for gun violence and legislative changes to gun laws. The Community Healing Project is one of many programs and initiatives we’ve identified to help make a difference in the lives of young Torontonians and encourage them to turn away and heal from violence. Thank you to the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of these two programs by investing in them, our communities and its residents. We look forward to continuing to work together to invest in neighbourhoods and families.”

- John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto

“One of the goals of our Neighbourhood Officer Program is to connect community members with the right resources and build relationships based on trust and cooperation. With these funds, the Life Skills to Succeed project will ensure 360 young people in eight neighbourhoods are given the chance to learn from experts and work with police officers.  With this program, they can break the cycle and be given every opportunity possible to contribute to the safety of our communities rather than choosing a life of crime”.

- Chief of Police Mark Saunders, Toronto Police Service

• From April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, the Government of Canada supported 77 community-based crime prevention projects across Canada.

• The National Crime Prevention Strategy provides national leadership on cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities by intervening to mitigate the underlying factors that put individuals at risk of offending.

• The NCPS funds programs that reach out to young people through schools, community centres and neighbourhood organizations to help steer them away from drugs, gangs and other potentially harmful activities. It also helps to support programs that provide counseling and support to build stronger communities.

Associated links

• Major new federal funding and summit to tackle gun violence and gang activity
• New investments to help end gun and gang violence in Canada
• National Crime Prevention Strategy
• Gun and Gang Violence

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@canada.ca

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
ps.mediarelations-relationsaveclesmedias.sp@canada.ca