Govt. Boosts Toronto's Youth Violence Programs

0:00It's March 31st. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Canada News today, your AI-powered local news. Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Ananda Sangari just announced that the government is pumping cash into Toronto's programs to stop youth gun and gang violence, locking in funding for the next three years. This comes right as two big federal funds we're about to dry up. The Crime Prevention Action Fund and the Building Safer Communities Fund. The Safer Communities Fund is getting $157,500,000 over those three years, while the other won't. Renew. Leaving some gaps for city staff to figure out. Local leaders like Mayor Olivia Chao and frontline workers are calling it a huge win after community pleas during budget talks. One former at-risk team-turn mentor shared how these programs saved lives amid shootings and losses, stressing the need for steady support beyond. The cash covers key initiatives like a $485,000 peer training program, a $425,000 hub, full

1:05workers, and an $865,000 aid setup for youth in case management building on $16.6 million, already received since 2023. With shootings down 43% overall and youth firearm incidents off by 35% last year, this move doubles down on what? Working, keeping the momentum against violence in high-risk spots like Scarborough.