Governments of Canada and Yukon partner to put more police on our streets
OTTAWA, March 31, 2008 – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, together with the Honourable Marian C. Horne, Minister of Justice, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide Yukon with $800,000 as part of a new Police Officers Recruitment Fund. This Fund supports the Government of Canada’s national effort to recruit 2,500 police officers and provides flexibility to the provinces and territories in enhancing policing initiatives across the country.
“The Government’s most important duty is the protection of Canadians against threats to their safety and security, and our Government has been taking action where needed to get the job done,” said Minister Strahl. “By making funding available to support enhanced policing initiatives, we are delivering on a key platform commitment to enhance community safety. I am pleased we are partnering with the Yukon to strengthen law enforcement in the region.”
“We are committed to helping Yukoners achieve a better quality of life by creating safer communities. We look forward to using this money to support increased policing and public safety initiatives in the territory,” said Yukon Justice Minister Marian C. Horne.
Budget 2008 has created a third-party trust fund of up to $400 million to be allocated proportionally. The Yukon has the flexibility to use its allocated portion of the funding to enhance public safety and policing initiatives over five years.
Each province and territory – in recognition of their jurisdiction over policing – is responsible for distributing funds for police services. The provincial and territorial governments are encouraged to report directly to their residents on the expenditures and outcomes on the implementation of this initiative.
Tackling crime and strengthening the security of Canadians are paramount responsibilities for the Government of Canada. The introduction of the Police Officers Recruitment Fund further demonstrates that the Government takes these responsibilities seriously by providing assistance to the provinces and territories for the enhancement of public safety and policing initiatives.
See also:
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863
Matthew Grant
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7961