By Canadian Press

Federal government targets B.C. guns and gang violence with $5.3 M fund

Mar 4, 2019 | 5:29 PM

VICTORIA — The federal government says fighting gun and gang violence across Canada requires a collaborative, multi-pronged approach by all levels of government and communities.

Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair says gun and gang violence is on the rise and since 2013 gun-related homicides have almost doubled, with most of those shootings connected to gang violence.

The former Toronto police chief says the battle against gun and gang violence must involve more than a focus on police arrests and requires deeper participation in prevention and intervention programs.

Blair was at the British Columbia legislature to announce $5.3 million in funding to help with efforts to better understand, prevent and disrupt gun and gang violence in the province.

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He says the government’s initiative to on gun and gang violence involves improved data collection, better intelligence sharing among law enforcement and other agencies, and enhanced methods to identify gangs and their members.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says gun and gang violence has devastating impacts in B.C.

The Canadian Press