$21 Million Allocated to Safeguard Residents and Strengthen Communities

The Provincial Government is committing $21 million through Budget 2014 to protect vulnerable populations, enhance safety and justice, and create safer workplaces for residents. Recognizing the importance of safety and security in communities, $4.5 million will fund the purchase of fire trucks, with a one-time $3 million increase in funding over last year, to support the tireless work of 5,900 volunteer firefighters.

“It is essential that as a government we support the important work of our firefighters across the province. Through a one-time expansion of our budget for fire trucks by 200 per cent over last year to $4.5 million in Budget 2014, we continue to demonstrate a commitment to ensure that our firefighters have the equipment they need when called upon.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-NL

Building on this significant allocation for fire trucks, Budget 2014 also includes $530,000 for personal protection equipment. Funding is also allocated this year for priority areas such as Hazardous Material Response Training and province-wide Basic 911 implementation.

Creating Safe Communities
Beginning in Budget 2014, approximately $2.1 million will be allocated annually towards phase two of the Violence Prevention Initiative that builds on existing work to raise awareness, enhance responsiveness, and increase the reporting of intimate partner violence. The Violence Prevention Initiative identifies the root causes of violence and focuses on prevention, awareness and education related to violence and abuse.

Enhancing Safety and Justice
Budget 2014 includes $9.2 million to support policing services and search and rescue activities and to enhance safe and effective access to the justice system.

“The safety and security of our communities is paramount and we continue to invest strategically in all areas of the justice system to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador remains one of the best places in the world in which to live. Residents can be assured that we will make every effort to prevent crime, provide assistance to victims and supply the necessary resources so that those who break the law are dealt with accordingly.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice

Creating Safe Workplaces
As the province continues to see unprecedented growth in resource-based employment and cutting-edge entrepreneurial ventures, Budget 2014 provides $1.6 million to prioritize occupational health and safety for the province’s workforce.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

For further details see the Backgrounder: $21 Million Allocated to Safeguard Residents and Strengthen Communities.

QUICK FACTS

• Budget 2014 delivers $21 million to strengthen communities including $4.5 million for the purchase of fire trucks, which is more than any previous budget.
• Budget 2014 invests $2.1 million in the Violence Prevention Initiative; $12.8 million has been invested since 2006.
• The Provincial Government is investing $9.2 million to strengthen policing services and enhance recruitment, search and rescue and the justice system.
• Safe workplaces are a priority and are being supported through a $1.6 million investment in offshore and workplace safety.

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Backgrounder - $21 Million Allocated to Safeguard Residents and Strengthen Communities

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2014 03 27                                  2:50 p.m.