Ontario Protecting Wasaga Beach Against Gun and Gang Violence
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson participated in the Standing Committee session on Justice Policy at Queen’s Park on Thursday September 14th. The session focused on 2023-2024 Estimates of the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
York Centre MPP – Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner talked to committee members about recent funding for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) upgrades to OPP detachments in Ontario, including $29,445.00 for Huronia West OPP in Wasaga Beach to improve surveillance and provide greater protection to the rapidly growing community against gun and gang violence. Kerzner told the committee that getting illegal guns off the streets is a top priority.
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner answered questions from committee participants during the Standing Committee on Justice Policy session at Queen’s Park on Thursday September 14th including questions dealing with combatting cyber crime, internet fraud, online hate and bail reform. “We can’t afford to have a system where people are arrested one day and are out on the streets the next day” Kerzner told the committee. “We’ll do anything we can to keep our communities safe. There is nothing more important to me” he added.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson – Standing Committee on Justice Policy. “This CCTV Grant for the Huronia West OPP in Wasaga Beach is one of many initiatives under the Guns, Gangs, and Violence Reduction Strategy which will help our local police continue to fight organized crime.”
The Ontario government is investing $29,445.00 to help the Huronia West detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police expand its video surveillance program and better protect the community against gun and gang violence.
The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and can be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence, illegal drug activity and human trafficking are prevalent.
“This funding announcement for the Huronia West detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is welcome news for residents of Wasaga Beach. This CCTV Grant is one of many initiatives under the Guns, Gangs, and Violence Reduction Strategy which will help our local police continue to fight organized crime,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe Grey. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Detachment Commander Leah Gilfoy and her team of dedicated officers who work day in and day out to keep the community safe.”
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner told the Standing Committee on Justice Policy the Huronia West detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (pictured above) is one of 24 police services across the province receiving funding with more than $2.8 million being allocated through the 2023-24 CCTV Grant program.
“Our government is taking action to keep Ontarians safe. CCTV surveillance systems are an important part of local police work to detect, prevent, and deter criminal activity. The systems also enhance police efforts to investigate crimes and provide evidence necessary to lay charges” said Kerzner.
The CCTV Grant was first introduced in 2020. Since that time, the Ontario government has allocated approximately $7.4 million in funding for surveillance systems to police services across the province.
Fire Services in Ontario Certification Standards
MPP Saunderson asked the Solicitor General to comment on Fire Department Training and Certification.
“Firefighter certification protects the safety of firefighters and the public” Kerzner said. He talked about a new regulation that came into effect on July 1, 2022. “Prior to this there was no new minimum firefighter certification standard in the province. The absence of such a standard meant that firefighters might not have the appropriate training to provide a level of service set by the municipality resulting in potential safety issues for firefighters and the public” Kerzner said. The Solicitor General said Fire Services across Ontario have four years to achieve the certification and for most fire protection service standards and six years for technical rescue disciplines, the mandatory certification process validates training that should already be occurring in Fire Services today.
“I want to give a shout-out to those great firefighters and volunteer fire fighters and our fire chiefs that keep Ontario safe every day.”
RELATED STORY: Honouring Blue Mountains’ Fire Chief Stephen Conn
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson presented a Certificate from the Province of Ontario to recognize The Blue Mountains’ Fire Chief Stephen Conn being awarded the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery. Conn was awarded the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery on Thursday, June 22, 2023, by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
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