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Justice June 1, 2007 The following
is being distributed at the request of the Ministerial Forum on
Organized Crime:
Federal-Provincial-Territorial
Ministers Renew
(Ottawa) �
Ministers who attended the forum, which was hosted by
the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Rob Nicholson,
and the Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day, all benefited from
discussions with and presentations by a range of Canadian and
international experts on organized crime. Ministers agreed to target organized crime and
collectively acknowledged it as a local, regional,
provincial-territorial, national and global issue. Its effects are felt
directly in communities across Canada, through criminal activities such
as drug-related crimes including marijuana grow-ops, gang violence,
identity theft, the sale of counterfeit goods and human trafficking for
the purpose of sexual exploitation, especially women and children.
Ministers agreed that while many successful actions to combat organized
crime have been taken by the federal, provincial and territorial
governments, sustained, enhanced and integrated efforts are needed to
address the serious risk organized crime presents to the safety of
communities. Areas for priority work and study were identified
including targeting proceeds of crime, sharing information and better
understanding the ever-changing structures, activities and impact of
organized crime, as well as strengthening criminal law responses and
prosecution services. Ministers identified the importance of enhancing
training and support for police, prosecutors and correctional services
agents, developing integrated strategies to deal with gang activities
including street gangs and continuing to support collaboration amongst
law enforcement, prosecutors and intelligence personnel. Ministers will review progress at upcoming
federal-provincial-territorial meetings. - 30 - Media contact: 2007 06 01
5:00 p.m.
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