DARTMOUTH, NS, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is taking action to protect Canadians from gun and gang violence. A key part of that action is providing direct support to communities throughout the country.

Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced up to $1.98 million in funding to support gun and gang violence prevention in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This federal investment is made through the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF), which provides funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support locally designed prevention and intervention initiatives that address the root causes of gun and gang violence. The goal is to provide children, youth and young adults with opportunities that will help guide them away from guns and gangs, strengthen community connections and make communities safer.

No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence on its own. That is why the BSCF is one of the many elements in the Government's comprehensive plan to keep Canadians safe. The BSCF enables communities to implement targeted, community-based approaches that support youth who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, gangs and violence.

Quotes

"Keeping Canadians safe starts with investing in our youth. Today's investment will help community organizations in Halifax continue to provide vulnerable young people with safe spaces, trusted support networks, and positive opportunities to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of crime and supporting prevention efforts at the local level, we are helping youth build brighter futures while creating safer, stronger communities for everyone."

    –  The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"Keeping residents safe is one of our most important responsibilities. The Building Safer Communities Fund has helped us strengthen partnerships, support young people, and build greater community capacity to prevent violence before it happens. This continued investment will allow us to build on that work and focus resources where they can make a real difference in keeping people and our communities safe."

     – Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality

"Police see firsthand the value of investing in people from an early age. Giving people the support and opportunities they need to build a positive future can help create pathways away from crime and violence and, ultimately, strengthen our communities."

     – Deputy Chief Andrew Matthews, Halifax Regional Police

Quick Facts

• In March 2026, the Government of Canada announced renewed support of the BSCF providing $157.5 million over the next three years. The renewal builds on the $250 million announced in March 2022, providing funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities where it is needed most across Canada.
• Municipalities and Indigenous communities were selected for BSCF funding based on the nature and severity of crime in their jurisdiction.
• The Government of Canada has invested $1.5 billion over the past 10 years to strengthen law enforcement and gang prevention programs, most notably the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun Violence and the BSCF, to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts.
• The BSCF complements ongoing funding and programs offered through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, such as the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund and the Youth Gang Prevention Fund.

Associated Links

• Backgrounder - Building Safer Communities Fund
• Government of Canada renews support for gun violence prevention initiatives across Canada 
• Government takes action to prevent gun violence with $250 million Building Safer Communities Fund
• Government announces $390 million to help stop crime and violence
• Crime Prevention Action Fund

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC)