Today, Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety for the Canadian government, announced a $390 million investment to fight crime and violence in the country, focusing on preventing gun and gang violence. The funding will be provided over the next five years to provinces and territories to support various initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs.
“The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. The best way to keep people safe is to stop crime and violence before it starts. Today’s announcement will give additional resources to law enforcement, support young people in making good choices and help our communities thrive. Strong prevention strategies like these are central pillar in our plan to ensure Canadians are safe in their communities.” – Said Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
The Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV), announced in 2017, has already successfully supported various initiatives to combat gun and gang violence across Canada. Quebec used ITAAGGV funding for Operation Centaur, a province-wide initiative that reinforces police with specialized units, disrupts firearms trafficking, and prevents crime. In British Columbia, funding supports the Organized Crime Agency of British Columbia, a dedicated police agency to fight gun smuggling, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime.
The government’s plan to keep Canadians safe involves strong borders, where the government has invested nearly half a billion dollars in border security and deepened cooperation with the United States to fight gun smuggling. It also includes legislation, headlined by Bill C-21, the government’s strongest legislation combating gun violence, and upcoming bail reform. Finally, it involves strong prevention strategies, such as today’s major investments.
The announcement has been welcomed by law enforcement and government officials. Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), praised the investment as a “significant investment in a continuing, comprehensive, and collaborative approach to addressing and reducing gun and gang violence by providing the resources required to investigate and hold accountable those that victimize our communities.” Meanwhile, Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, stated that the province’s financial contribution of nearly $15 million this year to the Guns and Gangs Violence Reduction Strategy, on top of the federal government’s continued support announced today, will have a direct impact on reducing gang activity.
| Jurisdiction | 5 years allocation 2018-2023 | 5 years allocation 2024-2029 | Amount of increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,843,987 | $3,571,502 | $1,727,515 |
| Prince Edward Island | $1,550,001 | $3,339,999 | $1,789,998 |
| Nova Scotia | $4,731,447 | $8,721,925 | $3,990,478 |
| New Brunswick | $2,709,797 | $5,226,285 | $2,516,488 |
| Quebec | $46,662,623 | $84,829,383 | $38,166,760 |
| Ontario | $65,539,130 | $121,465,792 | $55,926,662 |
| Manitoba | $13,347,624 | $23,120,649 | $9,773,025 |
| Saskatchewan | $11,897,077 | $20,587,709 | $8,690,632 |
| Alberta | $29,862,806 | $53,030,401 | $23,167,595 |
| British Columbia | $30,530,488 | $54,727,173 | $24,196,685 |
| Yukon | $2,250,735 | $3,998,194 | $1,747,459 |
| Northwest Territories | $2,250,735 | $3,998,194 | $1,747,459 |
| Nunavut | $2,250,735 | $3,998,194 | $1,747,459 |
| TOTALS | $215,427,185 | $390,615,400 | $175,188,215 |
All governments must be committed to stopping crime and violence, and the additional funds are a positive step toward ensuring the safety and security of Canadians in their communities. The comprehensive plan, which includes strong borders, legislation, prevention strategies, and investments in law enforcement and prevention programs, demonstrates a commitment to tackling the challenge of gun crime and gang violence in Canada. With continued collaboration and investment from all government and law enforcement levels, the country can work towards a safer future for all Canadians.
Image source Marco Mendicino Social Media
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