Release.Member of Parliament Ed Fast today announced over $6.3 million in federal funding for Abbotsford’s Comprehensive Community Action for Gang Reduction, a new crime prevention project that will help at-risk youth in Abbotsford.
“I am pleased to announce our Government’s support for a project that will make a real difference for the City of Abbotsford. Along with our partners, we are taking strong steps to tackle gang violence, while providing at-risk youth with the tools and opportunities they need to steer clear of crime. This project is another example of how our Government is helping build stronger, and safer communities.” – Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford
Fast delivered the remarks at Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) headquarters. He was on hand to announce $6,343,238 in federal funding from the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).
In 2012, the Government of Canada announced the next phase of the YGPF. The fund specifically targets youth with a demonstrated history of serious violence and/or who are clearly at risk of joining gangs and/or already in gangs. Through the fund, the Government of Canada supports community initiatives that address specific at risk youth.
“We are very excited to be able to collaborate to such a degree and to offer a comprehensive approach for supporting youth and families and making Abbotsford a safer community for all.” – Shariose Jinnah, Director of Child, Youth & Family Services, Abbotsford Community Services
The objectives of the YGPF are to reduce serious youth violence and youth gang threats in communities by:
- Supporting targeted initiatives that address specific risk and protective factors associated with youth violence and youth gangs in communities where these issues exist or are emerging trends;
- Promoting the implementation of evidence-based interventions to provide those young people with alternatives to joining gangs; and
- Developing and disseminating knowledge in order to encourage other communities to adopt effective methods to prevent youth violence and youth gang activity in Canada.
“The challenges to public safety that are generated by gangs and drugs require a continued and concerted effort from police, government, community groups and citizens. This funding to ACS will ensure that our young people will be educated about the dangers of being involved in gangs. The direct benefit will be to their lives and to the future of our community.” – Bob Rich, Chief Constable Abbotsford Police Department.
More on this program can be found here.