Executive Council
Justice and Public Safety
November 4, 2015
Working Towards Safer Communities
Premier Releases Report of Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety
The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today released the report of the Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety. The report, which was generated after extensive consultation with community stakeholders and the general public, includes 10 overarching recommendations and associated actions aimed at enhancing community safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The advisory council has presented a comprehensive report which will inform the public debate on how we can ensure a safer Newfoundland and Labrador now and into the future. The overarching recommendations and associated actions, which we accept in principle, are far-reaching and implementation will require a collaborative effort between a number of government departments, community organizations and the general public. I thank the advisory council for the considerable work they have done on this matter and I now look forward to working with all stakeholders to make our province an even better place in which to live."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The 10 overarching recommendations and their associated actions proposed by the council have a long-term focus. The Provincial Government has begun the important work of assessing the report so that decisions on implementation can then be made.
"This report is an important first step towards making our province safer and we now begin the task of fully assessing all of the recommendations and associated actions as presented by the advisory council. Crime prevention and community safety remain the responsibility of all residents, and we must work together to implement strategies that prevent crimes from happening in the first place. I thank the advisory council for their efforts."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety
Members of the Premier's advisory council were appointed in January, 2015. Under the direction of Chair Anne Morris, the advisory council hosted a number of consultations in various regions of the province, collected public input and completed an extensive literature review.
"I would like to thank Premier Davis for creating this opportunity to explore issues related to crime prevention and community safety in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The advisory council learned from each other as well as from stakeholders and citizens who gave so generously of their time to share their knowledge with us. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has the opportunity to build on the many strengths that exist in our communities and provide coordination and support for all those involved in community safety and crime prevention. It is time to implement a long-term strategy that looks at community safety and crime prevention from three perspectives; prevention, crisis response and long-term strategies and supports."
- Anne Morris, Chair of the Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety
The recommendations from the report of the Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety can be found in the Backgrounder below. The complete report can be viewed online at www.justice.gov.nl.ca/just/publications/pdf/adv_council_cc_safety.pdf 
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QUICK FACTS:
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador today released a report from the Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety.
- The report contains 10 overarching recommendations and associated actions intended to make Newfoundland and Labrador safer for all residents.
- The Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety was formed in January, 2015.
- To prepare the report, the advisory council carried out considerable consultations, collected public input and conducted an extensive literature review.
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Media contacts:
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Heather Maclean
Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey
Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551, 699-2402 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
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Luke Joyce
Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 724-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Overarching Recommendations from the Report of the Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety
- It is recommended that government develop a long-term plan that looks at community safety and crime prevention from three perspectives - prevention, crisis response and long-term strategies/supports.
- It is recommended that government implement a new funding model for community groups working on Community Safety and Crime Prevention Initiatives, with a priority focus on those groups with a long history of positive results.
- It is recommended that government enhance police resources in specific areas, such as community policing, highway safety, and address issues specific to rural areas.
- It is recommended that responses to Labrador and Aboriginal crime and community safety related issues be enhanced.
- It is recommended that government initiatives be implemented to enhance offender accountability and rehabilitation.
- It is recommended that government implement an education program on personal, social and safety and issues for all children starting at kindergarten and continuing until graduation from high school
- It is recommended that government develop a provincial plan related to at-risk youth, which requires a long-term, cross-government commitment.
- It is recommended that government improve the availability of and access to early intervention services for individuals with substance abuse issues
- It is recommended that government act quickly on its commitment to adopt a housing first policy to provide better services to the homeless and prevent homelessness.
- It is recommended that efforts be made to avoid criminalizing mental illness. Treatment has to be a priority for persons with mental illness who commit criminal offences or become involved with the criminal justice system as a cry for help.
2015 11 04 4:05 p.m.