ARCHIVED - Harper Government supports Scarborough in fight against gangs

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SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO, July 10, 2013 — Today, Roxanne James, Member of Parliament for Scarborough - Centre, announced that support has been extended for the crime prevention program, GangBusters (Multisystemic Therapy), run by the Agincourt Community Services Association.

“Our Government is committed to preventing gang crime and improving the safety of our communities,” said MP James. “I am very pleased to announce additional funding for this worthy project that is making a difference by helping at-risk Scarborough youth steer clear of and escape the violent lifestyle of gangs.”

“Through this project, youth are gaining life skills that will empower them to make smart choices and to stay away from gangs,” said MP James. “Our Government's support is helping Scarborough tackle gang crime and build a stronger, safer community.”

Operating in Scarborough, Ontario, the GangBusters (Multisystemic Therapy) project works with youth aged 12-17 who are at risk of joining gangs or are already involved in gangs.  This project addresses risk factors such as aggression, problem behaviour at school, inadequate or abusive parenting and gang-involved relatives. To date, 114 youth have participated in the program.

The Government of Canada is providing $507,276.05 to extend this project for an additional year, bringing total funding to approximately $2.5 million. Continued support for this project demonstrates the Government's commitment to preventing crime, and making our streets and communities safer places to live, work, and raise our families.

From April 2012 to March 2013, the Government funded 105 community-based crime prevention programs through Public Safety Canada's  National Crime Prevention Centre, in which more than 16,000 at-risk youth participated.

As part of our commitment to tackling gang crime, in 2013 our Government is providing $10 million in funding to community-based projects to prevent gang crime and improve the safety of our streets. 

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Information:
Julie Carmichael
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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