MANITOULIN—Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced last week that the Ontario government is fighting back against crime on Manitoulin Island by investing $300,000 in crime prevention initiatives. The funds forfeited to the province as proceeds of crime following criminal prosecutions will be used to support the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Service’s (UCCM APS) ‘Looking to the Future’ project.
“Our government is using every tool, including cash and proceeds seized from criminals to prevent crime and protect our community,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “These funds are being invested back into communities to help support victims, educate youth and increase awareness about crimes such as gang violence and hate.”
Taylor Sayers, director of corporate services for UCCM APS explained, “The UCCM APS will be introducing ‘Looking to the Future’ to the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCMM) communities. Looking to the Future will work to build positive relationships with the youth in the local First Nations through school-based safety programs. The relationships created with the youth and the information provided will ensure a foundation is there so that youth understand the dangers of drugs and the gang culture/lifestyle.”
“The long-term goal is to reduce the number of drug related crimes and activities that are occurring within the First Nations and create a safe environment for all youth in school,” said Ms. Sayers. “Early intervention by having a positive police presence in the school through positive interactions will help youth understand that police are advocates for the youth’s safety and well-being.”
James Killeen, chief of police for UCCM APS said, “our youth are our future—they are the achievers of the next generation. We hope to inspire, build confidence, and develop values within our youth so that they are able to make a pivotal decision when making positive lifestyle choices as they grow and mature. If we can fulfill the void that has little to no present opportunities for our youth to take part in, then we have done our job to engage and mentor them into future success through sport and positive engagement.”
“I truly believe that the long-term goals are the goals we need to focus on,” Brad Mack, staff sergeant-director of operations with UCCM APS told The Expositor. “Working with our youth and police together will strengthen positive relationships. By taking a risk-driven approach, we will work proactively with our youth and assist in building solid life skills, it will reduce social problems that we deal with as a police service.”
Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $16 million in crime prevention initiatives across the province through the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing (POC-FLP) grant program. To date, the POC-FLP grant program has funded 281 community safety projects across the province.
