Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador sign agreement to increase police resources in the province
OTTAWA, March 31, 2008 –The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, together with the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide Newfoundland and Labrador with $5.9 million 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 hiring additional personnel 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 Hearn. "By making funding available to support the recruitment of new front-line police officers, we are delivering on a key platform commitment to enhance community safety. I am pleased we are partnering with Newfoundland and Labrador to strengthen law enforcement in the region."
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has demonstrated a strong commitment to policing and this funding will assist as we move forward with the protection of our residents," said Minister Kennedy.
Budget 2008 has created a third-party trust fund of up to $400 million to be allocated proportionally. Newfoundland and Labrador has the flexibility to use its allocated portion of the funding to hire additional officers over five years.
Each province and territory – in recognition of their jurisdiction over policing – is responsible for distributing funds to municipal and provincial/territorial 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 in hiring additional officers.
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 recruitment of 2,500 additional front-line police officers.
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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
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-6985