December 11, 2002

Roy Cullen, M.P. (Etobicoke North)

News Release

Crime Prevention Project in Etobicoke North Awarded Funding Under the Community Mobilization Project

ETOBICOKE - Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, today announced that, in conjunction with the Government of Canada, and the City of Toronto, a Youth Gang Intervention and Exit Pilot Project will be implemented in Etobicoke North. The Canadian Training Institute, a national charitable organization that receives a sustaining grant from the Solicitor General of Canada, has been awarded a $50,000 to implement its exit pilot strategy in Etobicoke North.

"Community-based crime prevention initiatives like these are key to ensuring safety in Canadian homes and streets," said Cullen. "This initiative shows how members of the community in Etobicoke North can work together to make a difference in the fight against crime. The best way to fight crime is to prevent it in the first place," noted Cullen. "I am pleased that the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto are supporting the efforts of the Canadian Training Institute and its Youth Gang Intervention and Exit Pilot Project, Breaking the Cycle. Their efforts will in turn benefit all Canadians."

Breaking the Cycle will pilot an intensive case management and employment preparation program aimed at reducing youth violence, youth crime, and gang involvement resulting in reducing barriers to employment and exclusion for up to 80 at-risk youth. A strategic planning and visioning session will take place on Friday, December 13, at the Elmbank Community Centre at 10 Rampart, Rexdale.

"The real experts on crime prevention in any community are the people who are part of that community. This project announced today is about community members developing crime prevention solutions that meet their unique needs," concluded Cullen who will be speaking at the visioning and planning session at noon.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Camellato, Constituency Office Manager
Roy Cullen, M.P. Etobicoke North
416 747 6003