PG allocated provincial dollars to enhance victim services, crime prevention programming

Nine programs in Prince George stand to benefit from Civil Forfeiture Grant money from the BC Government.

The funding will benefit from projects working to advance community safety, address gender-based violence and, support Indigenous healing.

“Everyone deserves to live in a community that is safe, healthy and secure,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “That means addressing the root causes of crime and making sure victims of crime have the supports they need to thrive again. By redirecting funds from forfeited assets into community organizations and crime prevention projects, we are working toward safer and stronger communities for all British Columbians.”

As part of the 2023-24 cycle, $8.2 million will support 189 community projects.

This includes the following for the Prince George area:

• Whitecrow Village FASD Society Workshops – $40,000
• Prince George Aboriginal Justice Centre for Restorative Justice Reintegration Program – $100,000
• Niwîķôwin Métis Family Services Society (NMFSS) for Women’s Wisdom for Safer Families program – $40,000
• Takla Nation Land-Based Violence Prevention Project – $37,850
• The Prince George Sexual Assault Centre (The Gathering) – $40,000
• Health Initiative for Men Society (HIM Community Safety Project) – $40,000 (funding split with Vancouver and Kelowna)
• Mennonite Central Committee (End Abuse Program) – $40,000 (PG and Abbotsford)
• School District 57 (Bringing Our Children Back to the Land Program) – $39,100
• Nusdeh Yoh School (Eagle Nest Day Camp Program) – $28,280

Since 2006, approximately $82.5 million in civil forfeiture recoveries has been disbursed as grants supporting community organizations in B.C.