Pickering Councillors Waging War Against Crime Reported incidents across the GTA concerning violence and crime have prompted City of Pickering Councillors to seek out positive initiatives to address growing community risks. "Crime knows no boundaries," stated Regional Councillor and Durham Region Children's Advocate, Maurice Brenner. "While some may see the issue of violence as only a Toronto problem, it effects all of us" added Brenner. Members of Council, working with various community sectors, are initiating strategies to combat this problem. The first is a Community Forum, which will give Pickering residents the opportunity to learn about anti-violence and anti-crime initiatives. The forum is hosted by CAVE, Communities Against Violence Everywhere, which is chaired by Brenner and City Councillor Doug Dickerson. CAVE consists of representatives from different sectors around Pickering. The committee will monitor crime trends, implement programs and strategies and measure outcomes. The goal of this committee is to see a safer more vibrant Pickering while showing support to other GTA communities. Councillor Doug Dickerson said, "The forum will shed new light on the need to deal with violence of any sort. Laws must be changed by Federal and Provincial Governments that will enable their judges to hand out stiffer sentences. Policing organizations need to take a zero tolerance approach for enforcement of existing laws." Regional Councillor Bill McLean and City Councillor Kevin Ashe, who will be facilitating the panel discussion on Tuesday evening, said, "in addition to enforcement measures, job creation, mentoring programs and community involvement will go a long way to reducing crime and violence." The Community Forum will be held on Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers located at One The Esplanade and is open to everyone. Crime and community safety is a concern to all of us. Violence of any kind: domestic, racial, schoolyard bullying, religious or weapons makes victims of us all. Please attend the forum on November 29 because together we can make a difference. - 30 -
Media kits will be available at the forum. |
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