Against the backdrop of a playground at Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 Parkinson Recreation Centre, the federal government has announced $6.9 million in funding for programs to help keep youth from joining gangs in the B.C. Interior.

Kelowna and Kamloops will receive $2 million, Penticton $1 million, Vernon $953,000, and Salmon Arm $828,000.

The announcement was made by Pam Damoff, parliamentary secretary to the minister of public safety and MP for Oakville North - Burlington.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 particularly pleased the focus here is going to be on young people, on education and reaching them in the schools,91裸聊视频� said Damoff.

She was joined by Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming for the announcement.

The money is coming from the federal government91裸聊视频檚 Building Safer Communities Fund.

91裸聊视频淚 am pleased to share that we have a youth gang prevention and reduction strategy currently under development that is facilitating a regional partnership program through Central Okanagan Public Schools, the RCMP and the city of Kelowna,91裸聊视频� said Dyas.

The program seeks to interrupt the pathways that can lead high-risk, vulnerable youth toward gun and gang involvement, he added.

READ MORE: City of Kelowna seeks to steer youth away from 91裸聊视频榞ang life91裸聊视频�

The City of Vernon expects to have a similar program in place by the summer.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e in the design stage now we91裸聊视频檝e had confirmation of the funding,91裸聊视频� said Mayor Cumming. 91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檝e been working over the last 60 days to finalize our programming.91裸聊视频�

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the announcement is a template on how communities can work together.

91裸聊视频淚nstead of a one-size-fits-all solution, the federal government has provided resources and trusting each community to find answers that work for them. In Penticton, it has brought our agencies together and allowed us to develop some innovative ideas.91裸聊视频�

The Building Safer Communities Fund will make a significant difference in Salmon Arm according to Mayor Alan Harrison.

91裸聊视频淭hirteen community organizations have collaborated to co-create a solution to the local challenges for youth in Salmon Arm and area. This inter-agency, collective effort will target specific risk factors associated with gun and gang involvement and improve youth resilience and inclusivity in Salmon Arm and area.91裸聊视频�

Damoff noted these types of programs are part of an overall approach in reducing gun crime and violence in B.C.

91裸聊视频淚f we make it not cool to be involved with guns and give young people positive role models and positive social experiences, you91裸聊视频檙e getting to the root of the problem by giving those kids the opportunity to avoid being involved in gangs or crime in the first place.91裸聊视频�

READ MORE: Okanagan RCMP make 91裸聊视频榖y far the largest and most significant drug and gun seizure91裸聊视频�

READ MORE: Teams of cops, prosecutors, to target repeat violent offenders in B.C.: Farnworth

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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