Government of Canada supports crime prevention efforts in Calgary and surrounding area

November 27, 2009

Programs to offer youth life skills to make smart choices

MP Lee Richardson welcomes Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan to Calgary for National Crime Prevention Strategy announcement, which will benefit two Calgary-area projects

CALGARY – Today, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, announced federal support of over $2 million for two projects aimed at preventing crime in Calgary and the surrounding area.

“This Government is committed to preventing crime and building stronger communities,” said Minister Van Loan. “The funding announced today will support initiatives that will help at-risk youth and their families make better choices and avoid violent acts. This announcement clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to preventing crime and making our streets safe.”

Through the National Crime Prevention Strategy, the Government of Canada is providing federal support in the amount of $519,088 over three years to Calgary’s Home Front Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to implement its Strengthening the Spirit – Oskâyi Kiskinotahn program. In addition, the SPEC Association for Children and Families in Brooks, Alberta, will receive $1,595,716 in funding over three years for the Connections, Leadership and Resiliency Project.

About the National Crime Prevention Strategy:
The National Crime Prevention Strategy is administered by Public Safety Canada. The Strategy provides funding support to selected projects that help prevent crime and increase knowledge about what works in crime prevention.

Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657


BACKGROUNDER:

The following projects are receiving support from the National Crime Prevention Strategy:
Home Front Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence - Strengthening the Spirit – Oskâyi Kiskinotahn (Calgary, Alberta): This project will work with youth and their parents who have been exposed to domestic violence. This project will employ a combination of best practices and strategies that address the cycle of violence in aboriginal families and restore participants’ connection to traditional Aboriginal culture. The project will provide participants with group programming designed to address the feelings and behaviours related to witnessing violence in the home. In addition, parents will also participate in group programming designed to provide counselling and addictions treatment, as well as teach effective parenting skills. This program will be delivered in four Aboriginal communities: Morley, Tsuu T’ina and Stoney Reserves and the Calgary Area First Nation community. The funding amount is $519,088 over 3 years.
The SPEC Association for Children and Families - Connections, Leadership and Resiliency Project (Brooks, Alberta): This project will work with high school youth who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, drug related crimes. This program will have three main components, the first of which will involve in-school group discussions focusing on solving problems, setting goals, developing leadership, and learning about substance use, managing anger, peer pressures and family relationships. Secondly, participants will take part in adventure activities which will reinforce skills such as conflict resolution, problem solving, managing pressure and coping skills. The last component will encourage participants to engage in community based volunteering activities and experience the rewards associated with giving back to others. The funding amount is $1,595,716 over 3 years. 
About the National Crime Prevention Strategy:
The National Crime Prevention Strategy is administered by Public Safety Canada. The Strategy provides funding support to selected projects that help prevent crime and increase knowledge about what works in crime prevention.
TOTAL: $2,114,804