The Government of Canada is taking action with a comprehensive plan to get guns off our streets and put more resources into communities. The government ahs launched the $250 million Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) to stop violence before it starts. First announced in March 2022, the BSCF supports local initiatives that prevent gun and gang violence and help young people make good choices. 

On February 24, 2023, Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, announced that New Westminster will receive up to $1,736,800.23 from the BSCF to prevent gun crime and gang violence in the city. This funding will help address the underlying conditions that give rise to crime. It will support community-led projects to prevent violence among young people who are involved in gangs, or at risk of joining them – helping them set themselves up for success in life. 

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