ARCHIVED - Public Safety Minister Toews commends important work of Team Izzat Youth Forum organizers

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January 15, 2011 — The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, made the following statement today commending Team Izzat on their outstanding efforts to motivate and empower BC youth to take action on social justice and play an integral role in their communities.

Team Izzat brings together RCMP police officers from lower mainland BC as well as the Vancouver Police Department. Founded in 2004, Team Izzat works with youth from all backgrounds, providing them with an opportunity to engage in sports and receive mentorship.

“I commend Team Izzat for the exceptional work they do in equipping youth with the tools they need to make a difference in their communities. Through events like Saturday's Team Izzat Youth Forum, young leaders are gaining insight into current social issues—like child exploitation and drug use in teams—and are being challenged to help create strong and healthy neighbourhoods that are resistant to crime.”

This Forum is an opportunity for youth, educators and law enforcement personnel to come together to discuss challenges and to share strategies to address them. Our Government is addressing those challenges with the National Anti-Drug Strategy which focuses on prevention and access to treatment for those with drug dependencies, while at the same time getting tough on drug dealers and producers who threaten the safety of our youth and communities.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that illicit drugs fuel organized crime, which is a serious public safety issue with significant costs to citizens and communities. That is why our Government committed $102 million over five years under the National Anti-Drug Strategy to combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs, as well as addressing the crime associated with illegal drugs.”

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Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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