Government of Canada Funds Crime Prevention Efforts in the Northwest Territories

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, Jul 10 (MARKET
WIRE) --
Today, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety,
announced federal support for projects aimed at preventing and reducing
crime in the Northwest Territories.

"One of the priorities of this Government is to make sure that our
communities and streets are safe. We believe that when it comes to
addressing crime we have to take action," said Minister Van Loan. "The
funding announced today will provide northern communities with the
knowledge, tools and support they need to undertake initiatives that
address their crime prevention needs."

Through the National Crime Prevention Strategy, the Government of Canada
is contributing over $9.3 million in funding support for five northern
and multi-year crime prevention projects that will provide at-risk youth
with alternatives to a life of crime, and professionals in this field
with the tools they need to enhance community safety.

The Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community
Affairs, participated in the announcement on behalf of the Honourable
Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Justice and Minister of Education, Culture
and Employment for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

"Increasing safety and security is a priority in our Government's work
and investment to Build Our Future," said Minister Lafferty. "Tackling
crime in our communities is a top priority. We are working with frontline
responders and community governments to take action on crime, and welcome
federal funding to enhance territorial investments. These funds will
support our efforts and those led by communities. We are also pleased to
see our schools accessing this funding and participating in crime
prevention."

"The Government of Canada is taking action to prevent youth crime and
keep Canadians safe," said Minister Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian
Affairs and Northern Development. "The funding announced today supports
crime prevention projects in the Northwest Territories that will provide
those who are most at risk with the tools they need to make positive
choices."

The National Crime Prevention Strategy is administered by Public Safety
Canada. The Strategy provides funding support to selected projects that
help prevent crime and increase knowledge about what works in crime
prevention.

For more information concerning the organizations receiving funding,
please refer to: Backgrounder - Government of Canada funds crime
prevention efforts in the Northwest Territories
(http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2009/nr20090710-1-eng.aspx)

For more information, please visit www.tacklingcrime.gc.ca

Contacts:
Public Safety Canada
Media Relations
613-991-0657

Media Relations
GNWT Justice
867-920-3225

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