Today, Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Social Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, and His Worship Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, announced a federal investment of more than $2.7 million to prevent gun crime and gang violence in Windsor.

“Our government is committed to keeping Canadians safe. Investments in grassroots efforts are key to giving at-risk youth opportunities to chart a hopeful path in life. By bringing everyone around the table, we can create safer neighbourhoods and give every Canadian a chance at succeeding, here in Windsor and across the country.”

- Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Social Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

“The City of Windsor is at an inflection point, experiencing significant investments, major infrastructure projects, and continued population growth. Our community is also facing the evolving needs, opportunities and challenges that result from this incredible growth. Safety is top of mind for everyone, and safe neighbourhoods are the foundation of a thriving community. We are grateful for this significant investment from Public Safety Canada’s ‘Building Safer Communities Fund’, which will enable us to support ongoing safety initiatives by community partners like New Beginnings and Youth Diversion. We continue advocating and working with upper levels of government to receive additional resources and supports to help us build a safer and more vibrant community for everyone. Collaborations and investments like this one go a long way towards helping us reach our collective goals. I look forward to seeing the additional, innovative proposals that will soon receive support through this program that is helping address one of the most important and complex challenges facing our community today.”

- His Worship Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor

• The Government of Canada’s investment comes from the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF).

• The BSCF builds on the success of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence – a five-year, $356.1 million investment announced in 2018. This includes the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund, which brings together federal, provincial and territorial supports to tackle the increase in gun-related violence and gang activity in Canada, with over $214 million in funding provided to provinces and territories over five years.

• In 2023, the Government of Canada announced an extension and expansion of the program, with $390 million over five years through the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to provinces and territories for a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. Public Safety Canada is finalizing agreements with municipalities and communities that have been identified through evidence-based criteria and meet the program requirements.

Associated links

• A comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada: Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)
• Gun and Gang Violence
• Firearms
• Homicide in Canada, 2021
• Youth Gang Prevention Fund

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca