NWT victims of crime get boost
Feds give $3.75 million for South Slave and Beaufort Delta regions
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Monday, December 12, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Victims of crime and their families in the South Slave and Beaufort Delta regions are getting help from the federal government.
On Dec. 5 at the NWT legislative assembly, Sean Casey, parliamentary secretary to Jody Wilson-Raybould, minister of justice and attorney general of Canada, accompanied by NWT Justice Minister Louis Sebert, announced funding of $3.75 million over five years to advance victim services and access to justice for victims and their families in the NWT.
The territory continues to suffer from one of the highest violent crime rates in Canada. According to a new release from the Federal Department of Justice, the latest figures from Statistics Canada show that 3,348 violent crimes were committed in the NWT in 2015.
This funding announcement contributes to the Victims of Crime Emergency Fund which helps cover emergency costs incurred by victims of serious violent crimes.
Eligible expenses include emergency counselling, crime scene cleaning, childcare and temporary accommodations.
The GNWT will use this money to provide services that better meet the needs of victims, including helping victims cover costs resulting from serious violent crimes, enhanced direct service delivery to victims, and guiding victims through the criminal justice system.
Sebert stated in a news release that the territorial government is committed to supporting residents of the NWT who have been victims of crime.
