Statement from Minister McPhee on National Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month

Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“National Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month is a time dedicated to promoting safety, fostering community engagement and reinforcing our commitment to healthy and thriving Yukon communities.

“According to Statistics Canada, while the Yukon’s 2023 crime rate increased three per cent compared to the revised 2022 crime rate, the 2023 crime rate was 4.7 per cent lower than the 2014 crime rate. In 2023, the Yukon also experienced fewer per capita violent Criminal Code violations and fewer per capita property crimes than the national average.

“Keeping these statistics in mind, it is important to highlight the incredible work being done by local organizations, businesses, citizens and the RCMP. Their dedication and hard work are making a difference every day and have been invaluable support to effecting change.

“Our government will continue to work with municipal and First Nations governments, as well as partner organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving Whitehorse, Crime Stoppers, the Yukon Circle of Change, and other like-minded organizations to help further reduce crime rates across the territory.

“We will continue to introduce forward-thinking legislation that will make Yukoners safer, such as the new Traffic Safety Act, which received royal assent on Wednesday. This law targets dangerous and impaired driving by introducing stricter fines and penalties to deter unsafe driving behaviour.

“As a way to support safety in the communities, the Department of Justice is supporting First Nations communities through the community safety planning funding. This funding supports initiatives that meet the unique needs of specific communities. To date, funding has been provided to Kluane First Nation, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and work has begun with other First Nations to support them through their planning processes.

“Through consecutive territorial budgets, the Yukon government has continued to increase funding to the RCMP, enabling the hiring of more officers and helping the RCMP to provide enhanced and dedicated services to the First Nations and support them in their crime prevention efforts to keep their communities and citizens safe.

“Our government also continues to fund community-led projects through the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust, which aims to improve safety and prevent crime through a variety of community-led and creative solutions.

“The Yukon government is working with the City of Whitehorse, local businesses, residents, RCMP, Connective and various stakeholders on crime prevention through the Downtown Safety Response Action Plan. Most recently, this includes the addition of two RCMP officers for the Whitehorse detachment, an additional SCAN Investigator, a new Crime Prevention funding program for businesses, a new Whitehorse Community Safety and Wellbeing planning process and restorative justice circles.

“As we observe Crime Prevention Month, we note that prevention is not only about reducing crime rates; it is about fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and understanding. It is about ensuring that every Yukoner feels valued and that they have a voice in shaping the future of our communities.

“Together, we can create a safe and vibrant Yukon.”