New Funding: Reintegration Support and Incarceration Alternatives for Indigenous Offenders

OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - To help reverse the trend of Indigenous over-representation in Canada's criminal justice system, and to help previously incarcerated Indigenous Peoples heal, rehabilitate and find good jobs, the Government of Canada is investing $10 million over five years for the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI). These investments will support approaches to community safety that are responsive to the concerns, priorities and unique circumstances of Indigenous communities. 

A call for proposals was launched last week for community-based and culturally relevant projects, with a focus on alternatives to incarceration and on reintegration supports. Eligible projects could include counselling, treatment for addictions, mental health treatment, job training, literacy, and skills development.

Quotes
"Indigenous offenders continue to be disproportionately represented at all levels of the criminal justice system. As part of a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous people, the Government of Canada is committed to addressing gaps in services to Indigenous people throughout the criminal justice system. I encourage Indigenous communities, organizations, governments and the academic sector to submit proposals that will help Indigenous offenders better reintegrate."

- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick Facts

• Budget 2017 allocated $65.2 million over five years to address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice and corrections systems. Part of that investment includes $10 million over the next five years for the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative.
• Recipients eligible for funding are: Indigenous not-for-profit organizations (on and off-reserve, First Nation, non-status Indian, Métis, Inuit and urban); Indigenous governments and/or municipal governments working in collaboration with Indigenous organizations and/or communities; Indigenous communities; and Canadian universities and colleges.
• The national Call for Proposals runs until November 20, 2017 (11:59 pm, EST).

Associated Links

• Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative- Call for Proposals

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [email protected]

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca