Harper Government addresses violence and bullying with youth in the Cowichan Valley

Federally-funded crime prevention program aims to reduce violence among at-risk youth

DUNCAN, BC, April 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced nearly $1.7 million in funding over five years for the crime prevention project Cowichan Valley Leadership and Resiliency Program.

The Cowichan Valley Leadership and Resiliency Program will provide approximately 120 Duncan-area youth, aged 12-17, with life and resiliency skills to help them overcome histories of violence and substance abuse. The training is based on the successful Leadership and Resiliency Program, which focuses on enhancing individuals' strengths while preventing involvement in substance abuse and violence.

Quick Facts

• Community Options Society will deliver the program, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, School District 79 and community volunteers, to approximately 120 at-risk youth, aged 12-17.
• Evidence-based models supported by the Crime Prevention Action Fund help youth make smart choices through the provision of community-based educational, cultural, sport and vocational opportunities.
• From April 2014 to March 2015, our Government invested in 98 community-based crime prevention programs through the National Crime Prevention Strategy.

Quotes

"Crime and violence are serious concerns for many Canadian families, which is why investments in community-based projects help build stronger and safer communities.Through projects, like the Cowichan Valley Leadership and Resiliency Program, we are helping youth learn important skills to help them stop or avoid violent behaviour."
— The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Our Government is taking strong action to keep our streets and communities safe. We are proud to work closely together with community organizations to develop solutions that prevent violence and support communities."
— The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

Associated Links

• Public Safety's National Crime Prevention Centre

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca