BURNABY– New Democrat MLAs Janet Routledge, Katrina Chen, Anne Kang, and Raj Chouhan say that people of Burnaby will benefit from projects to address criminal activity in their community, assist individuals experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous peoples recovering from trauma.
“Too often, people of colour experience higher rates of violence. That’s why it’s important to invest in intersectional resources that meet people where they’re at,” says Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “Dixon Transition Society is a valued organization in Burnaby, and this funding will enable them to create a Self-Advocacy Toolkit for racialized women, girls and gender diverse people.”
Two projects in Burnaby are receiving $80,000:
- St. Leonard’s Youth & Family Services Society Community Connections Program – $40,000
- Dixon Transition Society Self‐Advocacy Toolkit for Black Survivors of Gender‐Based Violence Project – $40,000
“Services that not only support victims of crime, but also empower them, are crucial to strengthening our community,” says Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “I’m grateful for the local organizations in Burnaby and beyond that are making life better for the most vulnerable.”
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.
“Dixon Transition Society and St. Leonard’s Youth & Family Services Society support people at some of the most challenging times in their lives,” says Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “Our government recognizes the importance of these organizations and I know that this funding will make our community better.”
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.
“St. Leonard’s Youth & Family Services Society is dedicated to supporting at-risk youth, and I know this funding will allow the organization to continue their care for the most vulnerable,” says Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “Taking care of the next generation, and making sure they have the tools to succeed, is part of building a strong community.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28833
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