Federal Government helps Nova Scotia in fight against crime

News Release

Federally-funded crime prevention program to help at-risk male youth and ensure safer communities for all.

April 11, 2014 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Public Safety Canada

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced $2,088,176 in federal funding for the crime prevention project CeaseFire that will help 120 male youth, aged 16 to 25, who are involved in, or at high risk of involvement with criminal activity in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The Honourable Lena Diab, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nova Scotia also participated in today's announcement.

The project, run by Nova Scotia's Community Justice Society, is based on the premise that violence is a behavior which is acquired or learned. It aims to detect and interrupt violence related to gang activity by providing violence reduction services in the form of individualized therapy, academic and employability supports, and recreational activities to participants and their families. This project will help youth avoid gang crime related activities, disengage from gangs, and increase community connections, as well as learn skills to better contribute and grow.

Quick Facts

From April 2012 to March 2013, our Government funded 105 active, multi-year community-based crime prevention projects through the National Crime Prevention Centre, in which more than 16,000 at-risk youth participated.
Since the creation of the Youth Gang Prevention Fund in 2007, $27.9 million in funding has been approved for a total of 19 projects in cities across Canada.
Our Government has committed ongoing funding to support the Youth Gang Prevention Fund. This fund invests in communities where youth gangs are an existing or emerging threat, and supports initiatives that clearly target youth in gangs or at greatest risk of joining gangs.

Quotes

“The safety of our communities is an effort that includes the participation of all members of our society, including youth vulnerable to crime. Our Government is working closely with our partners here in Halifax, and across the country, to enhance public safety and give youth tools by which to grow and contribute positively to their communities. By supporting projects such as this one, we are delivering on our promise to Nova Scotians, by helping youth stay away from crime and ensuring our families and communities are better protected. Together, we can build a stronger, safer country for generations to come.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“We are tackling crime and building safer communities for Canadians. Reducing crime requires a sustained and joint effort – from Government, from law enforcement, and from individuals and organizations in our communities. Projects like CeaseFire keep our streets and communities safe while providing youth with the tools to help them make smart choices.”
- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“All Nova Scotians want to live in safe communities free from violence. To help achieve this, we need to learn how to move youth away from violence. By working with partners like the Community Justice Society and our federal colleagues we're hopeful the successful Ceasefire program will reduce gun violence and save young lives in our province.”
- The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nova Scotia

“The Community Justice Society is delighted and excited to have the opportunity to be part of this unique project CeaseFire/Cure Violence where a public health model to stop shootings and killings is used. The model combines Science and Street Outreach to track where violence is heating up and then cool the situation down. The ultimate goal is to save lives- we believe that this project will have a positive impact on our communities.”
- Yvonne Atwell, Executive Director of the Community Justice Society.

Associated Links

Public Safety's National Crime Prevention Centre

Contacts

Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

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Date modified:: 2014-04-11

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Federal Government helps Nova Scotia in fight against crime

News Release

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