Ottawa hands out $1.9 million for programs to prevent B.C. youth violence

VANCOUVER (CP) - The federal government has handed out $1.9 million in funding to prevent youth gang violence in British Columbia.

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day joined B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal on Thursday to announce the four-year project. The money is earmarked for the victim services division of B.C.'s Public Safety Ministry. Potential programs include after-school recreation programs, public forums and cultural camps, especially for aboriginal youth.

Oppal told a news conference that several communities in the province have faced increased youth violence in recent years.

He says the federal and provincial governments need to work together to keep young people from being lured into gangs.

© The Canadian Press, 2007