FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Justice and Public Safety is now accepting applications under the Crime Prevention Conditional Grant Fund.

“The provincial government recognizes that taking action to protect families and communities begins at the local level,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Hugh J. Flemming. “Together, we are working to address the underlying reasons for crime and victimization. This complements the government’s commitment to counter the threat of illegal drugs that has gripped our communities.”

“Our plan includes long-term programs that target youth prevention through community-based interventions, near-term expanded treatment facilities for detox and rehabilitation services, and immediate support to drug enforcement to target organized criminal activity and disrupt the supply,” he said.

The fund supports projects by regional, municipal or local governments; community groups; police services; First Nations, non-profit organizations and educational institutions that produce tangible, measurable benefits to creating safer communities by reducing gun and gang violence.

Money for the fund comes from Public Safety Canada’s Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to support New Brunswick’s five-year plan on gun and gang violence. The terms and conditions of that agreement allow the department to redistribute funds to eligible organizations to support activities that link directly to the plan.

The plan’s objective is to promote evidence-based prevention and intervention initiatives at the provincial, municipal and local levels that lead to a reduction of gun and gang violence, and related issues.

Submissions will be assessed based upon their merits and how they address these areas.

The application form and additional information are available online. Only online applications will be accepted. The application deadline is Nov. 30.