Halifax gets nearly $2M in federal funding to prevent gun, gang violence

The federal government has allocated nearly $2 million in funding to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) to combat gun and gang violence in the community. Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, announced the funding during a visit to Dartmouth, N.S. on Tuesday. The funds will be provided through the Build Safer Communities Fund, part of a $157.5 million commitment nationwide over the next three years.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore emphasized that these measures will bolster community groups and potentially lead vulnerable youth away from crime. "The best public safety work often begins much earlier. It begins when a young person finds a mentor or a program that they can believe in, a place where they belong," said Fillmore.

Since 2022, HRM has received over $3 million in federal program funding. The city's public safety advisor, Amy Siciliano, highlighted that the new funds will enhance crisis de-escalation support for at-risk youth and bolster community organizations. The support will also improve spaces for youth to connect with mentors and access educational and mental health resources, including programs focused on anti-trafficking and sexual exploitation.

HRM data from 2025 indicates nine homicides and 30 shootings, prompting officials to hope that these figures will decrease with the additional supports. Minister Anandasangaree stated that the goal is to create "off-ramps" that prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system.