MARKHAM – Ontario is continuing its support of efforts to combat guns and gang-related violence in York Region.

The McGuinty government is investing $1,020,000.00 over the next two years for the York Regional Police Service’s Provincial Anti-violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS).

The strategy funds specialized rapid response police teams and aims to reduce illegal gang, drugs and weapons activities in communities by focusing on intervention, prevention, enforcement and community mobilization.

The province is providing $8.9 million over the next two years to renew existing PAVIS programs in 17 Ontario communities.

"Violence destroys lives and communities. We’re supporting an effective and proactive strategy to crack down on guns and gangs, reduce violence and make York Region a safer place."

— Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

"Ontario’s police leaders welcome this commitment by the Government of Ontario. These programs, together with the commitment of our police services to crime prevention, have proven effective in helping to keep our communities safe from guns and gang related crimes."

— Chief Daniel Parkinson, President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.