Sask. receiving nearly $12M from federal gov’t to fight gun and gang violence

The Canadian government has invested $11.9 million to help stop gun and gang violence in Saskatchewan.

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale made the announcement Monday.

“The government of Canada’s greatest responsibility is keeping its citizens safe. The announcement demonstrates the seriousness of guns and gangs in our neighbourhood,” Goodale said.

“By striking at the root of the guns and gangs problem in our communities, and stopping our most vulnerable youth from joining gangs in the first place, we are taking the right steps to make our communities safer.”

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The province will receive the funding over the next five years, which will support the development and enhancement of data systems, reprioritize police resources to target gun and gang crime and implement new community outreach programs for high-risk individuals.

“Our government is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of Saskatchewan families and communities. Reducing gang violence in our communities is an important issue that this funding will help address,” Minster of Corrections and Policing Christine Tell said.

“By focusing on intervention, suppression and prevention, we can continue to ensure that Saskatchewan’s communities are safe to live, work and raise a family.”

The funding is part of the federal government’s $327.6-million investment over five years to help reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities across the country.