Ford government announces $25-million plan to tackle gang and gun violence in Toronto
As gun violence continues to rise in Toronto, the new Ford government has unveiled its plans to fight guns and gangs in the city.
On Thursday, Premier Ford announced the provincial government is investing $25 million in new funding to provide local law enforcement with “tools and resources to protect innocent families from the menace of drug, gun and gang-related violence.”
This new funding is in addition to the $76 million already being provided to support the Toronto Police Service.
“It’s time to get serious about fighting guns and gangs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “And I’m proud to say our government is stepping up to the plate to do our part.”
“With today’s announcement, we are sending a clear message to the violent criminals carrying out gun violence on our streets. We are letting them know that we are coming for them. We are giving our police the cutting-edge tools that they need to fight drug gangs and gun criminals in 2018.”
The funding will include $7.6 million for SWAT teams at each courthouse in the city to focus exclusively on ensuring violent gun criminals are denied bail and remain behind bars.
The remaining $18 million will go towards providing additional digital, investigative and analytical resources necessary for fighting drug gangs and gun crime.
Ford also called on the City of Toronto and the federal government to “each do their part” by matching the province’s funding commitment.
“The Feds must do more and the city must step forward, because we all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe,” said Ford.
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