Getting tough on crime means getting tougher on poverty

Gang violence and other violent crime is a reflection of deteriorating social conditions and governments must confront the root-causes of these problems with preventative solutions, said Green Party of Canada leader Jim Harris today. "Governments have to tackle the risk factors that cause violence," said Harris. "We need to act on the many dimensions underpinning violent crime and be ready to cooperate with members of our community rather than relying on one-off solutions that provide a false sense of security."

In 2004, police services reported 622 homicides across Canada. A significant portion of these were gang-related and committed in major urban centres. In particular, most of the 172 homicides committed with a firearm are believed to be gang-related.

"The most vulnerable sectors of our society are getting caught up in gang violence and criminal activities," said Harris who noted that young adults from visible minorities are increasingly recruited into street gangs. "Being excluded from opportunities at school and the workplace make it easier for young people to opt out of poverty and into crime."

Economic obstacles and social exclusion remain significant issues for the children of Aboriginal and new Canadians who remain largely underrepresented in the general workforce. For instance, it now takes more than 10 years for new Canadians to reach comparable employment levels to those of Canadian-born citizens.

"In order for our many diverse cultures, income levels and professions to exist in harmony, we must create an inclusive Canada that ensures no one is left behind," said Harris who noted that all 308 Green Party candidates supported the Make Poverty History campaign, which calls for a new federal commitment to reducing child poverty.

"Tougher sentences and firearm regulations do little to prevent the source of the social injustices and dehumanization behind violent crime," said Green Party Justice critic Tom Goodman who noted the Green Party believes in tackling the root causes of crime by building healthier communities with stronger support networks.

Elected Green Party MPs will promote the use of restorative justice while working to reform drug laws to remove the economic advantage of gangs having "turf" to protect. The Green Party will also work to implement a federal crime prevention strategy that will keep money and effort focused on encouraging young people to finish school, get job training, find jobs and avoid retaliation in abusive situations.

Press release: Green Party of Canada
19 January 2006

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