NDP MLAs say funding will support community safety projects in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

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MAPLE RIDGE – New Democrat MLAs Bob D’Eith and Lisa Beare say that people in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will benefit from projects to address criminal activity in their community, assist individuals experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous peoples recovering from trauma.

“Our government is taking the proceeds from criminal activity and investing them into our communities. This year, organizations in Maple Ridge will benefit from over $250,000 that will help limit the cycle of violence and support people to heal,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission

Four projects in Maple Ridge are receiving a total of $244,830 to implement crime prevention and remediation projects in their community:

  • Fraser River Indigenous Society is receiving $25,080 for their Coming of Age program that focuses on Urban Indigenous Youth who have experienced the foster system.
  • Unlocking the Gates Services Society is receiving $39,750 for their Peer Health Mentorship Program which supports offenders of all ages, races and genders being released from prison.
  • The Paws for Hope Animal Foundation is receiving $40,000 for their Crisis Foster Care program that provides temporary homes for pets of women who are fleeing domestic violence.
  • Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services will receive $140,000 for Alisa’s Wish CYAC, which aims to continue to suport child/youth victims.

“The Child and Youth Advocacy Centre provides a safe, understanding space for children that have experienced trauma or abuse. This funding will help ensure this vital healing work can continue here in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

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