B.C. Government Funds Community-Based Initiatives to Tackle Crime and Improve Safety

The B.C. government has announced $7.5 million in grants to support local projects focused on crime prevention and public safety. Funded through the Civil Forfeiture Grant program, the money will help 166 initiatives across the province, targeting areas such as domestic violence prevention, gender-based violence, youth advocacy, and Indigenous healing. The grants turn forfeited assets—seized from illegal activity—into valuable resources for communities. A significant portion of the funds will support child and youth advocacy centers that help survivors of abuse. These centers are adopting decolonizing practices to ensure their services are more accessible to Indigenous children and youth. Additionally, the grants will support law enforcement agencies with specialized equipment and training to better address crime prevention and community safety. Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety, said the funding empowers communities to tackle crime and trauma in innovative ways. The program is aimed at fostering safer communities through restorative justice and community-based solutions.