LANGLEY– New Democrat MLAs Andrew Mercier and Megan Dykeman say that people in Langley will benefit from projects to address criminal activity in their community, assist individuals experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous peoples recovering from trauma.
“We’re cracking down on crime across the province and putting the proceeds back into organizations that help people transition out of a life of crime. We’re not only sending a message that crime doesn’t pay, but we’re also promoting safety in Langley and communities across the province,” said Andrew Mercier, MLA for Langley
Two projects in Langley are receiving $70,000 to implement crime prevention and remediation projects in their community:
- The Langley Animal Protection Society is receiving $30,000 for a project called The Doghouse, a partnership between LAPS and the Fraser Valley Institute, where up to 20 participants annually acquire both industry‐specific and general employment skills and social skills to improve their confidence and self‐esteem to support their re‐entry to the workforce upon their release, rather than returning to criminal activity.
- Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives will receive $40,000 for their program Ensureing Equitable Acess to Practitioner-Driven Restorative Justice Training, which seeks to build capacity that would deliver the large volume of requested training to restorative justice organizations, practitioners, and other community organizations.
“Our community is stronger when everyone is set up for success,” says Megan Dykeman, MLA for Langley East. “I’m pleased that this funding for two great organizations in Langley will help people build new skills while transitioning away from crime.”
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: New funding advances public safety, connects victims with services | BC Gov News
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