AFN Press Release

Assembly of First Nations Welcomes Announcement on a Five Year Commitment for Stable and Dependable Funding for First Nations Policing Services

OTTAWA, March 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo along with AFN Quebec/Labrador Regional Chief Ghislain Picard and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Chief Gilbert Whiteduck met today with Public Security Minister Vic Toews to talk about long-term funding for First Nations police services in the next federal budget. This meeting was seen as encouraging and a good first step on improving public safety in First Nations communites.

"We welcome this announcement by Minister Toews. An immediate renewal of funding and then a commitment to working towards long term sustainability is very important.  Now we must turn our attention to all jurisdictions working together to strengthen and secure First Nations policing through partnership and innovation. It is essential that  promote and deliver on safety and security for all of our communities," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.

Following this meeting today, in the House of Commons, the Government of Canada announced  that funding for policing agreements with First Nation and Inuit communities will be renewed under the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) and further committed to entering this funding into a multi-year agreement for the next five years

"Today's announcement represents a concrete and  important step in the right direction for First Nations as there is First Nations police services in most of our regions. We look forward to working with all First Nations to keep pushing this progress forward," said AFN Justice Portfolio holder, Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis. "As we continue this work,  I would also like to offer our appreciation for the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association for their advocacy and support for our communities."

AFN and Native Women's Association of Canada will host a National Forum on Community Safety and Ending Violence April 9 and 10, 2013. For more information: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/events/forumendingviolence-kit.pdf

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow us on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms

SOURCE: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

For further information:

Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca

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Press Release from Public Safety Canada

Harper Government Renews Commitment to First Nations Policing Program

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 4, 2013) - Today, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced that the Harper Government will maintain funding for policing agreements with First Nation and Inuit communities under the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) for the next five years.

"Our Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. Today's announcement provides stable multi-year funding for policing services in First Nation and Inuit communities. The Harper Government has worked with First Nation and Inuit communities, and provinces and territories, to significantly improve public safety," said Minister Toews. "Our Government will continue to support First Nation and Inuit policing as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping our streets and communities safe."

The FNPP supports professional, dedicated and culturally-responsive policing services to First Nation and Inuit communities. FNPP funding supplements existing funding and policing services provided by provinces and territories. In 2012-13, the FNPP is funding 163 policing agreements, which represent approximately 1,250 professionally-trained and dedicated police officers working in approximately 400 First Nation and Inuit communities, serving a total population of over 338,000.

The Harper Government will continue to work with its partners to explore ways to provide the most cost-effective and sustainable policing options, while making the safety and security of all Canadians a top priority.

This initiative is in keeping with the Harper Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which focuses on tackling crime, victims' rights, and fair and efficient justice system.

Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.

Contact Information

• Julie Carmichael
  Director of Communications

  Office of the Minister of Public Safety
  613-991-2924
  
  Media Relations
  Public Safety Canada
  613-991-0657