Press Release

Government Reaches Out to At-Risk Youth in Pikangikum First Nation

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 18, 2014) - Public Safety Canada

Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness announced $2,389,319 in federal funding over five years for Project Journey, a crime prevention project that will help Aboriginal youth in Pikangikum First Nation.

Project Journey, led by the Ontario Provincial Police Red Lake Detachment, will prevent and reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviours among Aboriginal youth-at-risk between the ages of 6 to 18. Each year, the project will engage 75 to 100 youth in primary activities with an additional 50 youth participating in secondary activities together with their parents, including mentors and tutors who function as positive role models. By providing community-oriented service learning, outdoor activities, classroom based learning, and family oriented activities, the project will decrease incidents of violent and drug related crime and increase positive relationships between youth, police and elders.

Quick Facts

• From April 2012 to March 2013, the Government funded 105 active, multi-year community-based crime prevention projects through the National Crime Prevention Centre, in which more than 16,000 at-risk youth participated.
• As part of these efforts to tackle crime, in 2012 our Government committed up to $10 million per year toward new crime prevention projects under the National Crime Prevention Strategy's Crime prevention Action Fund.

Quotes

"Our government is supporting community-level programs that have concrete and direct impacts on youth and families at risk. When youth are engaged in healthy activities and making smart choices, they can make a positive contribution to their communities. By working with our partners and investing in crime prevention initiatives, we are honouring our commitment to ensure stronger, safer communities."

- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"I am pleased to announce our support for a project that will make a difference for the community of Pikangikum First Nation. Along with our partners, we are taking steps to provide at-risk youth with the tools and opportunities they need to steer clear of crime and live in a safe community."

- The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology, and Federal Economic development initiative for Northern Ontario) and Member of Parliament for Kenora, Ontario

Associated Links

- Public Safety's National Crime Prevention Centre

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657