Event is part of a national discussion on preventing gang violence and building safer communities.
SURREY – As part of a national discussion on preventing gang violence and building safer communities, New Democrat Public Safety Critic Jasbir Sandhu (Surrey North) will host a public forum on crime in partnership with SFU Surrey’s School of Criminology this coming Tuesday.
“Crime and gang-related violence are real issues here in Surrey, and across the country,” said Sandhu. “People are looking for leadership and solutions that will prevent crime and make our communities safer, that is what this discussion is about.”
Sandhu will be joined by Dr. Robert Gordon, director of SFU’s School of Criminology and representatives from the Surrey RCMP, Pathfinders Youth Centre Society and South Fraser Community Services Society.
“Currently there are an estimated 11,000 street gang members in Canada today, most are under the age of 30,” Sandhu said. “While other crimes are in decline, gang-related crime has been on the rise – that is a real problem, and we need real solutions.”
New Democrats have called for more investment in front line police officers and youth-gang prevention programs, but Stephen Harper has cut those programs across Canada and failed to fund new police officers.
“New Democrats want to move this country forward and invest in proven, cost-effective crime prevention strategies,” Sandhu said. “It’s time to move beyond the politicized bluster and failed Conservative prisons agenda.”
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 SURREY, BC
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Crime and Our Community – SFU Surrey, Room 3090
