Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino (Photo: CPAC)

A federal government investment with the hopes of getting more guns off New Brunswick streets.

Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino announced today, that up to $945, 000 for the city of Fredericton to help combat gun and gang violence.

MP for Fredericton Jenica Atwin says, “Keeping the people of Fredericton safe starts by making sure every individual living here has the support and stability they need to prosper. This must start with our youth and ensuring that there are spaces where they can safely and reliably access those necessary supports. We are taking a proactive approach to identify the issues causing violence in our community and bring everybody onto the same page with an action plan to prevent the expansion of violent crimes in our city. This funding is one pillar of our strategy to address the root causes of violence and keep our community safe.”

An additional up to $821, 000 was announced yesterday for the City of Miramichi.

This money is a part of the Building Safer Communities Fund.

“The Building Safer Communities Fund will make a difference in communities of all sizes including ours. This program will provide youth in our community prevention programs and support, especially those who are most vulnerable,” says Adam London, Mayor of Miramichi.

It will help address underlying social conditions that give rise to crime through community-led projects that combat violence amongst young people.

First announced in March 2022, the BSCF supports local initiatives that prevent gun and gang violence and help young people make good choices.