Funding cut for anti-gang program
An agency contracted by the B.C. government to do anti-gang programming has had its funding slashed this year despite continuing gang and gun violence.
Safer Schools Together (SST) received just $500,000 of the $1.13 million committed by the Public Safety and Education ministries for the 2020-21 fiscal year, Postmedia has learned.
And about $1 million that had been expected for the next fiscal year is also in jeopardy.
The agency has developed successful anti-gang programs and works across the province, doing seminars for students and parents, training educators and law enforcement, and identifying youth at risk of gang involvement.
In December 2019, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Education Minister Rob Fleming announced an additional investment of $4.93 million over three years “to provide immediate support to students, parents, educators, law enforcement and community partners through gang-prevention and awareness training programs.”
That was on top of $1.12 million announced for the programs in March 2019.
“Too often, we hear about the devastating effects of gang life on B.C. youth and their families, which is why we're taking targeted action and offering intensive supports in B.C. communities that need help the most,” Fleming said at the time. “By focusing on training and prevention, we are taking important action to support young people earlier and give parents, schools and communities a way to work together toward positive futures.”
Over the last month there have been five gang-related murders in
Metro Vancouver, including that of 14-year-old Tequel Willis. The Burnaby boy, who had links to the Brothers Keepers, was shot to death in Surrey on Dec. 28. There have also been other shootings believed to be part of the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
Public Safety communications director Caroline McAndrews explained that the cash commitment was reduced this year because the “program has been funded out of contingencies.”
“SST staff were informed that a lower amount was available through contingencies this past year, and that we are unable to confirm funding for next year at this time,” McAndrews said in an email.
“Minister Farnworth is committed to continuing the funding for this program and that is being pursued as part of the budget process for '21-22.”
On top of the $500,000 for the 2020-21 fiscal year, the safer schools program received $1.292 million in 2019-20.
SST president Theresa Campbell said her agency was told last spring “that funding was going to be reduced for this operational year and that funding is not confirmed at all for the next calendar year.”
She said the SST has had an excellent relationship with both ministries and is hopeful that something can be worked out.
“Up until COVID, we had probably one of the most progressive collaborations for gang prevention in the country, because of the partnership between (Public Safety) and the Ministry of Education,” she said. “I am and have been hopeful during the COVID days — even though funding has not been confirmed for next year — that we will see it continued.”