Harper Government addresses gang violence in Surrey

100 additional RCMP officers will be assigned to Surrey

SURREY, BC, May 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament, Delta Richmond-East, along with Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood – Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced that 100 additional RCMP officers will be assigned to ensure the safety of Surrey in the face of an increase gang-related violence. Minister Findlay also announced that approximately $3.5 million in funding over five years has been made available for the crime prevention project Surrey Gang Reduction Program.

The Surrey Gang Reduction Program will provide approximately 400 Surrey-area at-risk youth, aged 11-19, with life and resiliency skills to help them move away and keep them from violence and the gang lifestyle. The program is based on a comprehensive understanding of the risks and strengths in the lives of at-risk youth and provides intensive support and services to them and their families.

Quick Facts

• 100 additional RCMP officers will be assigned to ensure the safety of Surrey in the face of an increase gang related violence.
• The Board of Education of School District #36 will deliver the program, in partnership with the Surrey RCMP Detachment and the City of Surrey, to approximately 400 at-risk youth, aged 11-19.
• The Harper Government has previously invested $2.8M into the city of Surrey through the National Crime Prevention Strategy.
• Evidence-based models supported by the Crime Prevention Action Fund help at-risk youth make smart choices through the provision of community-based educational, cultural, sport and vocational opportunities.
• From April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, the Harper Government has invested in 100 community-based crime prevention programs through the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS).
• There are nine projects in British Columbia that are currently receiving funding from the NCPS, totalling more than $23 million in multi-year funding.

Quotes

"Gang violence is a serious concern for many Canadian families, especially in Surrey. That is why I am pleased to announce 100 additional RCMP positions to tackle the senseless gang violence and protect the families in our communities in Surrey. In addition, our Government is also investing in community-based projects like the Surrey Gang Reduction Program, where we are giving youth the tools they need to grow and contribute positively to their communities."

- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Our Government is working closely with our partners here in Surrey, and across the country, to keep our streets and communities safe. We are proud to work closely together with community organizations to develop solutions that prevent gang violence and support communities."

- The Honourable, Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta – Richmond East

"Through this project, we are providing at-risk youth with life and resiliency skills to help them move away and keep them from violence and the gang lifestyle. It is an example of our Government's strong commitment to preventing crime and making our streets and communities safer places to live, work, and raise our families."

- Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood – Port Kells

Associated Links

• Public Safety's National Crime Prevention Centre

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca