Local initiatives aimed at preventing crime, advancing healing and enhancing public safety are getting new funding from the BC Government.
$7.5 million is being dished out from the Civil Forfeiture Grant program, which is aimed at addressing crime through supporting public safety projects by converting forfeited assets which were the instruments or proceeds of unlawful activity.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Garry Begg said community safety is one of their top priorities and knows organizations in the community play a large role in effecting change.
“Whether it’s helping youth, preventing gender-based violence or supporting Indigenous healing, these investments are empowering communities to implement community-based initiatives that enhance safety.”
166 community-led projects will be supported with funding this year, which include child and youth advocacy centres, crime prevention, domestic-violence prevention/intervention programming, gender-based violence, Indigenous healing, and restorative justice.
Only one North Island program was selected for funding, the Gwa’sala-’Nakwasda’xw Nations ̓ aḵ̓ oat̓ ła ḵa̱n’s bak̓ wa̱mk̓ ale’ – Healing Language Intensive program receiving $40,000.
Approximately $900,000 in one-time grants have also been awarded to support specialized police equipment and training to law enforcement agencies across the province.
