Government of Canada invests in youth crime prevention in Edmonton

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced $2.2 million in federal funding for REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities to support a youth crime prevention project through the Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF).

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced $2.2 million in federal funding for REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities to support a youth crime prevention project through the Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF).

The project will combine two approaches to help reduce violence, gang involvement and other high-risk behaviours among Indigenous youth, racialized youth and youth who have had repeat contacts with the criminal justice system. The first focuses on early intervention among youth ages 9 to 17 through non-contact boxing, structured mentoring and coaching. These participants will build emotional regulation, confidence, and problem-solving skills, supporting school engagement and resilience against negative influences.

The second supports participants ages 18 to 30 through martial arts, mental health counselling, additional education, and employment or skill-building supports.

REACH Edmonton will work with specialized community partners to deliver this project, helping to connect participants with the services and supports they need, build community capacity, and contribute to safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

The CPAF supports evidence‑based projects that address known risk factors associated with crime among vulnerable people, focusing on youth and high-risk offenders. By helping young people develop skills, build positive support networks and remain engaged in constructive opportunities, projects like this one can reduce the likelihood of future criminal involvement and contribute to safer, more resilient communities.