Minister Blaney and Minister Findlay participate in roundtable on gang-related violence

Discuss action being taken to combat gang-related violence in Delta and Surrey, British Columbia

SURREY, B.C., July 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, participated in a roundtable on combatting gang-related crime in the community. He was joined by the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and MP for Delta–Richmond East; Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson and Surrey Mayor Linda M. Hepner.

Following the roundtable, Minister Blaney, alongside Minister Findlay, Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson and Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, held a media availability in which Minister Blaney provided an update on the RCMP staffing levels in Surrey. Since April 2015, 33 new RCMP members have arrived in Surrey to help combat the senseless gang violence which has impacted the City and to keep streets and communities safe.

Gang-related violence has been of particular concern to our Government and we are strongly committed to combatting the issue and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Delta and Surrey.

Quick Facts

• Our Government has taken strong action to keep British Columbians and all Canadians safe.
• Thirty-three new RCMP members have arrived in Surrey since April, 2015.
• The Government of Canada has passed tough new laws to put gang members behind bars where they belong. It has passed over 30 new tough-on-crime measures, including new prison sentences for drive-by shootings and imposed mandatory minimum prison terms for the use of firearms in the commission of crime.
• Through the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), the Government of Canada is investing in community-based projects that help those who are most at risk.
• Recently, the Government of Canada announced $3.5 million in funding over five years for the crime prevention project, Surrey Gang Reduction Program with officials from the Board of Education of School District #36, which aims to address youth violence and gang involvement.
• There are nine projects in British Columbia currently receiving funding through the NCPS, totalling more than $23 million in multi-year funding.

Quotes

"Our Government is taking action to support the fight against gang-related violence. Earlier this year, the Harper Government committed to providing 100 additional RCMP members to the City of Surrey to help fight against gang-related violence. The deployment of officers has already begun and will continue until Surrey receives the full 100 officers requested. Since April 1, 2015, 33 new RCMP members have arrived in Surrey.  I reassured Chief Superintendent Fordy that I have made it a priority to ensure that the remaining members will arrive in the shortest timeframe possible."

– The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Canadians across the country are entitled to feel safe and secure in their communities. An increase in street crime related to gangs has Surrey residents understandably concerned. Our Government has committed to an increase in the number of RCMP officers available to help combat the rise in these crimes and to further a dialogue with community leaders on other measures that can be taken to address this social problem."

– Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta–Richmond East

"The level of gang-related violence we have seen over the last several months is unacceptable to me, as Mayor of the Corporation of Delta, as well as to the people of Delta. I would like to thank Ministers Blaney and Findlay for their continued efforts on this file. I will work tirelessly to ensure that we get this problem under control in the shortest timeframe possible."

– Mayor Lois E. Jackson, Corporation of Delta

"Events like today's round-table further demonstrate to me the importance of open dialogue with our partners – the federal government, our RCMP members, city officials and community stakeholders continue to show the willingness and commitment to helping in the fight against gang-related violence in our communities. The safety of our city is a top priority for me ‎and we will be exploring the initiatives that come from these types of conversations"

– Mayor Linda M. Hepner, City of Surrey

Associated Links

• Harper Government addresses gang violence in Surrey

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

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Etienne Rainville, Press Secretary, Office of Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-991-2924; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [email protected]