NDP MLA Anderson says funding will support community safety projects in Nelson and Creston     

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NELSON– New Democrat MLA Brittny Anderson says that people in Nelson and Creston will benefit from projects to address criminal activity in their community, assist individuals experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous peoples recovering from trauma.

“The funding provided to Valley Community Services and Nelson Police Department Victim Services Program is an investment in supporting individuals and families in their journey towards a better future. Through these programs, we can provide the necessary resources and support to ensure successful transitions and prevent the cycle of violence and abuse.”

Three projects in Nelson and Creston are receiving $257,565 to implement crime prevention and remediation projects in their community:

  • The Nelson Police Department Victim Services Program is receiving $25,587 to fund a Community and Prevention Support Worker program to provide additional wrap-around service support to shelters and second stage housing.
  • Valley Community Services Society in Creston will receive $91,978 for their Bountiful project, which supports people who are leaving or have left the FLDS plural cultura community with resources to make a successful transition.
  • The Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-operative will receive $140,000  for their Safe Kids and Youth (SKY) Coordinated Response program, which operates in six communities in the West Kooteany to support youth who come forward with discolure of abuse, violence, or neglect.

The BC NDP government is providing nearly $9.7 million in one-time grants through the program to support 197 community projects and fund police equipment and training. Civil Forfeiture grants are funds that go back into our communities from seized proceeds of crimes and illegal activity. These projects are being led by local governments, community-based not-for-profits, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.

The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides funding to support community safety related projects throughout B.C. through six funding streams that align with government commitments in various priority areas related to public safety. These streams include Gender-Based Violence; Crime Prevention; Indigenous Healing; Restorative Justice; Domestic Violence and Intervention Programming; and Child and Youth Advocacy Centres.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0038-000778

To see the full list of 2022-23 grant recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/civil-forfeiture-office/grants-compensation

For more information on Victim Services, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/key-parts/victim-services

Learn more about Unexplained Wealth Orders and other amendments to the Civil Forfeiture: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0022-000415