The cities of Fredericton and Miramichi will both receive nearly $1 million each from the federal government to prevent gun and gang violence.."Investing in grassroots and community efforts in Fredericton is essential to addressing the social conditions that lead youth and young adults to get involved in a life of crime and gun-related violence," Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino said during a press conference in Miramich on Friday. ."Put simply, we must stop gun and gang violence before it starts.".Mendicino said no single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence on its own, which is why the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) is such an important program. In March 2022, the Liberal government launched the $250 million BSCF to support local initiatives that prevent gun violence..Fredericton will receive $945,000 from the BSCF, while Miramichi will be given $821,000. The amount of BSCF support for a city is based on the two categories: crime severity and population density..Mendicino said the money will be distributed to local organizations that tackle gun violence and "set young people up for success." ."This is a proud and resilient city and a place that has seen its amazing share of successes and positive contributions, but has also seen some challenges in regard to public safety and crime," Mendicino said of Miramichi.."These crimes are happening more and more in public areas, often in daylight.".Liberal MP for Fredericton, NB Jenica Atwin said keeping communities safe starts will ensuring youth have spaces to access necessary supports.."We are taking a pro-active approach to identify the issues causing violence in our community and bring everybody onto the same page with an action plan to prevent the expansion of violent crimes in our city," she said. "This funding is one pillar of our strategy to address the root causes of violence and keep our community safe.".Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordon said the funding will help the city address vulnerable populations, as well as mental health and addictions problems, in the community. ."Here in Miramichi, dealing with crime is not just an enforcement issue, but also a prevention issue," said Lordon.."Preventing crime is not simply a criminal issue but a social one.".In addition to the BSCF funding, the federal Liberals banned assault-style firearms back in 2020, and will soon be launching a buyback program. They also introduced Bill C-21, which proposes a national freeze on handguns and new "red flag" laws.
