An Announcement of National Crime Prevention Centre Funding for British Columbia

Notes for remarks by
The Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

March 15, 2007
Vancouver, B.C.
As delivered

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your interest. The question of keeping communities safe and secure has to, in our view, be the prime role of government.

As you know, Canada's New Government has done a number of very significant things in terms of security and safety and in terms of making sure resources are available for our law enforcement agencies, our border agencies and our intelligence agencies.

We recognize that along with what is commonly referred to as the enforcement side – or the long arm of the law – there is the very necessary aspect of prevention, in other words, the open arms of the community.

Local groups know best what is going on in their community. We want to make sure that they are equipped and have the resources to provide young people with an opportunity for better choices and alternatives to a path that could lead into a life of crime or of unfortunate consequences.

We recognize that the federal government does not have all the answers. Nor should we presume that we could come into a community and know which groups and which programs will function best. That's why it's so important we have a partnership with the provincial government.

I'm very encouraged when I think of the type of work your attorney general in B.C. has done and what the community groups have done. I'm very confident that this $1.9 million is going to be well spent.

I know that Minister Oppal [Wally Oppal, B.C. Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism] and I share a similar view. We are looking for what works. Community groups, some of which are represented right here today, know that there has to be a combined effort when it comes to reaching out to youth and providing the types of choices that will keep them moving in productive directions.

This involves working on the education side and with the school system. It involves working with the enforcement agencies that are in the communities. It also involves – and this is very key – working with parents and with families who are troubled by the things they see happening around them and who wonder where the support is.

I spoke with one of the community representatives here today. He told me that they called for a parent meeting in their area just recently. Over 300 parents showed up, a very positive sign that an integrated approach is needed when it comes to making sure the preventative programs are in place.

I am very excited about the announcement today. We will invest almost $2 million for programs that aim to prevent crime and offer youth opportunities to make good choices.

We are providing $1.9 million to the provincial government to share with community groups that are going to make a difference in the lives of our young people right here in this community.

With that, I'd like to say that I've worked with Minister Oppal on a number of different areas. He speaks very strongly for the issues related to this province. I am encouraged by the experience that he brings to the table.

I thank the Government of British Columbia for being a strong partner in the very important area of youth crime prevention.

Thank you.