Ottawa renews crackdown on gun and gang violence with $390M funding

The federal government is renewing a multi-million-dollar program to tackle gun and gang violence in the country amid an increase in firearm-related crimes.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino made the announcement in Mississauga, Ont., Monday morning, saying Ottawa will be providing $390 million over five years to help stop gun crime and gun violence.

The money will help provinces and territories in a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs, Public Safety Canada said in a statement Monday.

This builds on the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV) that was announced in 2017.

Between 2018 and 2022, Ottawa had committed to approximately $327.6 million in federal funding to tackle an increase in gun violence and gang activity in Canada.

The federal government said the money has been used by provinces for “an array of important efforts to combat gun and gang violence.”

“No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun crime on its own,” Public Safety said.

“ITAAGGV is one of many elements in the government’s plan to keep Canadians safe.”

The government says firearm-related homicides in Canada have been steadily increasing, reaching a total of 277 in 2020 —16 more than the previous year — while gang-related homicides have also been on the rise.

— with files from The Canadian Press

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