The federal government announced that Hamilton will receive nearly $4 million from the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) to prevent gun and gang violence across the city.

BSCF was first announced in March 2022 to support local initiatives to prevent gun violence and help young people make good choices.

Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino says the funding will help to address underlying social conditions that give rise to crime by supporting community-led projects to combat violence among young people who are involved in gangs or are at risk of joining them.

Mendicino also says the funding compliments the national “freeze” on handgun ownership announced in Bill C-21. As of today, individuals and businesses will no longer be able to import handguns, with limited exceptions.

“I sincerely thank our federal partners for these critical investments and their commitment to tackling gun and gang violence with a multi-pronged approach which includes addressing root causes and prevention. With this support, we can continue to make progress in our work to build a more vibrant and safer community and provide all young people with the tools they need to succeed and thrive,” said Hamilton mayor, Fred Eisenberger, in a statement.