The federal government announced Monday that London, Ontario, will receive just over $3 million for efforts aimed at prevention gun crime and gang violence in city.
Funding will be taken from the federal Creation of Secure Community FundWhich was first announced by Ottawa in March 2022.
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“Feeling safe in your community is something everyone should take for granted,” said Ariel Kaybaga, Liberal MP for London West.
“Gun violence is a matter of great concern, and we must do whatever we can to stop it before more lives are lost.”
The government says the funding will help address the underlying conditions that lead to crime and gang violence. The money will support community-led projects aimed at helping young people at risk of joining gangs.
London Mayor Josh Morgan said the investment was a welcome boost to active crime reduction.
“Like many cities across Canada, London has experienced a steady increase in violent crime in recent years, and we are grateful to the federal government for demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting safer communities,” said Morgan. .
“These funds will help us steer young people away from a life of crime and violence and instead toward a more productive and prosperous future.”
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The government says the funding will allow London to develop a multi-year strategy to address the underlying factors that lead young people to guns and gang violence.
“Young people in London and across the country will benefit and we owe it to them to do what we can to ensure their future is full of meaningful opportunities,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal MP for London North Centre.
London is one of several municipalities across Canada that have or will receive money from federal funds. According to the federal government, the amount invested in a community is based on the municipality’s crime severity and population density.
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