Crime Prevention Funding Announcement

Speaking Notes for the
Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

Hamilton, Ontario
January 10, 2008
As delivered

Thank you. I'm pleased to see representatives from our policing services, chiefs, members of the community and youth.

When we talk about crime prevention, we talk about safety and a sense of security in our communities. That is a priority for this government – safe streets and communities. We believe our approach can reduce crime.

Prevention is so important. We talk about a two-phased approach to making sure our communities are safe right across the country. One of course is on the enforcement side. That is why we have made a commitment and have already begun funding 1,000 more RCMP positions across the country. We also have a commitment for 2,500 more municipal officers across the country, through a cost-shared program with the provinces.

We recognize that our men and women in uniform also need the legislative tools to be able to see the completion of their work. When it comes to crime, especially serious, repeat and violent crime, we want to see the perpetrators off the street. That is why we believe very strongly that there should be higher mandatory jail time for those who commit serious gun crimes.

We also have in our comprehensive Tackling Violent Crime Bill a provision that would raise the age of consent between a minor and an adult – we are not talking about between teenagers here – from 14 to 16. Police agencies have been foremost in making this appeal over the years because this would greatly equip them in the battle against predators and pedophiles, especially those that use the Internet to try and exploit young people.

Now that is the enforcement side, the long arm of the law. But we also talk about the open arms of the community, and that is where the prevention side really comes in. We have made funding available for local groups at the local level who know how to reach out and to identify youth at risk, families at risk and communities where there are criminal or gang activities.

There are people, groups and associations in every part of our country who know what is happening on the ground and where people at risk live. They know which young people are at risk. For instance, a young person suspended from school for the first time is a person at risk. It could result in them feeling more isolated and then they can get drawn into activities where they feel accepted.

Many young people who get involved in gangs are simply looking to be accepted. Young people today need to know that they are accepted and that there are people who want to reach out and make sure that they are supported and encouraged so they are not drawn into wrong areas of activity.

These are the types of groups that we are funding across the country through the National Crime Prevention Program. We also have another program that was announced by the Prime Minister not long ago, the National Anti-Drug Strategy. That Strategy is backed by 63 million dollars. About one third of that is for the enforcement side, and two thirds is for outreach, education, awareness and treatment programs.

So we are taking this two-sided approach and both are necessary to be successful.

I am very pleased to announce today that 16 projects in Ontario will be receiving $7.7 million from our National Crime Prevention Program. These projects will reach out to youth at risk and to others. We will see not just a reduction in crime, but in fact, an improvement in the lives of the young people who are going to be touched by this.

I just want to give you a sense of the types of groups, the types of people that are involved.

The Durham Family Court Clinic is receiving funds for its Early Gang Intervention Program. It will be reaching out to 75 young people between the ages of 12 to 18.

The Arladun Somali-Canadian Society is receiving funding for its Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution Project.

The Community Microskills Development Centre is receiving funds to administer the Youth Engagement Project for At-Risk Youth in North Etobicoke.

Here is a program right where we are today, Living Rock Ministries. The Living Rock Gang Prevention Project focuses on enhancing community living initiatives in Hamilton by promoting positive social behaviours among at-risk or street-involved youth aged 13 to 25.

These projects are just a few among those we are funding today, projects that will have a great impact on our communities.

So I want to thank you very much. I know we have a number of representatives from the various groups here today. You folks are the one that will make it happen. You are out there. You have the pulse of the community that you live in and we are looking to you with great anticipation. What's more, there are young people and families who are looking to you.

So thank you for your commitment.