Patricia Lattanzio

Safer Streets. Safer Communities.

November 1, 2024

Our Liberal government is committed to enhancing the safety of our streets and communities across Canada. The Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc announced an important expansion of the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), effective November 1, 2024.

With a significant investment of $123.5 million over the next five years, we are prioritizing prevention to safeguard our youth from the risks of organized crime. Here are our key funding initiatives:

$35.5 million for the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF)
$84 million for the Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF)
$4.6 million for the Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund (NICPF)

Organizations applying for this funding will benefit from a streamlined submission process. Applicants will only need to apply once under the NCPS Call for Applications, and the assessment results of their application will determine their eligibility for one of the three funding programs: CPAF, NICPF, or YGPF.

This initiative is crucial as organized crime is increasingly targeting youth. By investing in prevention, we aim to create protective barriers that will keep our young safe from gangs. We are meeting youth at the ground level so that organized crime groups and gangs can’t get to them in the first place.

An annual allocation of $700,000 will also be aimed at preventing bullying and cyberbullying, acknowledging the critical need for youth to be cyber smart and prioritize safety in our digital age. Through our efforts, we aim to address the risk factors that lead youth to become involved in violent criminal activity. Special focus will also be given to at-risk and vulnerable youth, including Indigenous and racialized individuals, as well as those with repeat contacts with the criminal justice system.

Our Liberal government, by investing in these initiatives, is not just countering crime; we are empowering Canadian youth with the tools they need to lead productive, law-abiding lives. Together, we are building a safer future for all Canadians.