Federal Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson has announced nearly $570,000 in new funding for crime prevention projects that target at-risk aboriginal youth in Nunavut.
Nicholson announced the funding in Iqaluit Wednesday, saying the financial support shows the federal government's commitment to working in partnership with Northern communities.
"We will continue to protect the sovereignty of our North and the safety of these communities," Nicholson said. "The government's also improving the safety in Nunavut by funding crime prevention projects that reach out to a group, most at risk, our youth."
Nunavut's assistant deputy minister of justice, Rebecca Williams, said the new funding is good news for residents of Nunavut.
"Today's funding announcement fits well into Inuit Qaujimajatugangit," she said. "It provides money for various projects as well as help pay for those working together to prevent crime."
The money comes from the federal government's National Crime Prevention Strategy budget. The funds will provide support to projects that contribute to preventing and reducing crime as well as crime prevention.
Priorities for funding include:
Nicholson announced $105,000 in funding for the Students First program in Iqaluit. The Cape Dorset Recreation department received $140,000 for its youth crime prevention strategy and Inukshuk High School is getting $249,000 over the next three years for its "To Grow Here" program.