NDP MLA Jennifer Whiteside says funding will support crime prevention projects in New Westminster
NEW WESTMINSTER – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Whiteside says the people of New Westminster will benefit from projects that will advance public safety, help prevent violence, and promote healing.
“It’s essential we break the cycles that put youth at risk. I’m grateful that our government is funding programs that support vulnerable youth, build their self-esteem, and provide them with a sense hope,” says Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam. “This funding will help keep youth safe.”
In New Westminster, two projects are receiving a total of $65,420 to implement crime prevention and remediation projects in their community. Local projects include:
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The Last Door Recovery Society, Youth Uplift Crime Prevention Program – $40,000
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School District #40, Sexual Exploitation Prevention Project – $25,420
The New Democrat government is providing $9.1M in one-time grants through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program to support 166 community projects across the province. These projects are being led by local governments, community-based not-for-profits, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.
$900,000 of the $9.1M will support specialized police equipment and training, $500,000 will support the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, and $200,000 will support the response to the April 26 tragedy after the Lapu Lapu festival.
The Civil Forfeiture Office was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime prevention initiatives.