SAINT JOHN, NB, Feb. 13, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, on behalf of Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) and Member of Parliament for Saint John—Kennebecasis, Wayne Long, announced $628,068 in federal funding to the John Howard Society of New Brunswick through Public Safety Canada's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

This project aims to help youth and young people aged 12-30 who may be at risk of getting involved in gangs by giving them the support they need to make safer, more informed choices. Staff will work closely with these youth to develop personalized care plans, and provide mental health supports and life skills development to promote resilience and reduce recidivism.

The Youth Gang Prevention Fund provides funding for initiatives in communities that prevent at-risk youth from joining gangs and offer exit strategies for youth involved with gangs. It exists under Public Safety Canada's National Crime Prevention Strategy, the Government of Canada's framework for the implementation of crime prevention interventions in the country. The Strategy provides funding to projects that contribute to preventing and reducing crime in Canada and that increase knowledge on what works in crime prevention. 

Quotes

"Keeping our communities safe means investing in young people and ensuring they have access to the supports they need to succeed. The Youth Horizons project will help equip at‑risk youth in Saint John with the tools, stability, and opportunities that steer them toward brighter futures and away from gang involvement."

— Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) and Member of Parliament for Saint John—Kennebecasis

At John Howard Society New Brunswick, we see firsthand how the right support, at the right time, can completely change a young person's path. Youth Horizons Integrated Intensive Case Management program gives young people facing serious challenges the space, trust, and hands-on support they need to step away from violence and justice involvement and move toward stability, healing, and new opportunities. By working closely with families, communities, and partners, the program helps youth build real-life skills, stronger relationships, and a sense of belonging that strengthens both their futures and our communities. Our work with John Howard Societies across Atlantic Canada continues to show that shared challenges bring forward shared solutions—and that lasting, meaningful change grows when communities are empowered to lead.

—Bill Bastarach, Executive Director of John Howard Society, New Brunswick

Quick Facts

• The John Howard Society actively promotes policy and legislation that creates and maintains just, peaceful and safe communities. The Society is active in advocacy, research, community education, coalition building and resource development and is a major partner with government departments in the development and implementation of services which fall within the provincial anti-poverty, mental health, anti-violence and criminal justice strategies.
• A Call for Applications for funding under the National Crime Prevention Strategy was launched in 2024 with a total of $123.5 million available over five years.
• The YGPF aims to reduce serious youth violence and youth gang threats in communities by:
  • Supporting programs that help reduce youth violence and gang activity by focusing on the risks and protective factors in communities where these problems exist or are starting to emerge.
  • Using proven approaches to give young people positive alternatives to joining gangs.
  • Sharing knowledge and best practices so other communities can use effective methods to prevent youth violence and gang involvement.

Associated Links

• Youth Gang Prevention Fund

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada