Scheer promises more funding for police forces to combat gun and gang violence

A Conservative government led by Andrew Scheer will cost-share new anti-gang law enforcement initiatives with provinces and territories.

2. Create a Police Infrastructure Grant program

There are more than 70 municipal policing agencies in Canada. Often, these forces have much less purchasing power than larger agencies like the RCMP. This is particularly true in rural and suburban areas, as well as some smaller urban centres. These agencies cannot always purchase new equipment to combat gun and gang violence and keep officers and the whole community safe. A Conservative government led by Andrew Scheer will create a grant for these agencies to buy new equipment.

3. Better information sharing to solve gun crimes

Police agencies in Canada operate under a patchwork of rules and procedures when it comes to tracking information on guns used in crime. This leads to gaps in sharing information and intelligence that could help to solve crimes. A Conservative government led by Andrew Scheer will make sure that information on guns found at crime scenes is given to the right authorities.

4. Stronger background checks for gun licences

A recent audit of firearms licensing shows that there are lengthy delays both in issuing licences to law-abiding gun owners and in investigating risks to the public. A Conservative government led by Andrew Scheer will ensure that the Canadian Firearms Program has what it needs to conduct rigorous and effective background checks.

5. More support to keep young people from joining gangs

Putting gang criminals behind bars is important – but Conservatives want to stop young people from joining gangs in the first place. That is why Conservatives created the Youth Gang Prevention Fund in 2006 and made it permanent in 2011. A Conservative government led by Andrew Scheer will increase the funds available for the Youth Gang Prevention Fund by 25% to ensure continued support for counselling, skills development, and other important programs.

6. Making prison time meaningful

Our prison system spends $60 million each and every year on jobs and skills training for prisoners. However, the government does not measure how effective these program are. A Conservative government led by Andrew Scheer will conduct an audit of all correctional services programs to make sure inmates are ready to rejoin society upon their release.