Nearly $2 million dedicated to preventing gun, gang violence in Halifax
Posted Sep 29, 2026 12:27:04 PM.
The federal public safety minister announced a commitment to spend up to $1.9 million on preventing gun and gang violence in Halifax.
Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, made the announcement on Tuesday in Dartmouth, saying the money will be used by municipalities and Indigenous communities to support local initiatives.
The goal is to provide children, youth and young adults with opportunities that will help guide them away from guns and gangs, he said.
In March 2026, the federal government announced renewed support for the national program, providing $157 million over the next three years.
“Keeping Canadians safe starts with investing in our youth. Today’s investment will help community organizations in Halifax continue to provide vulnerable young people with safe spaces, trusted support networks, and positive opportunities to reach their full potential,” Anandasangaree said. “By addressing the root causes of crime and supporting prevention efforts at the local level, we are helping youth build brighter futures while creating safer, stronger communities for everyone.”
Municipalities are selected to receive funding based on the nature and severity of crime in the cities.
Statistics Canada reports that both the rates and severity of crime were down almost across the board in 2025.
The agency said Wednesday Canada’s crime severity index dropped five per cent last year for the second annual decline in a row.
The index — which measures both the number of crimes compared to population and the relative severity of all police-reported crimes — stands at 75.01 after rising to 81.27 over the previous eight years.
Nova Scotia’s also decreased by 2.5 on the index after peaking at 75.5 in 2024.
