4.4.4

Description: 
We will improve our social response to crime reduction by examining and analyzing social indicators, conducting research on what works to reduce crime, and identifying any gaps in territorial programming.
Lead Dept: 
DOJ
Priority: 
4.4
Status: 
In Progress
Restructured COC: 
Social Envelope
Number: 
4
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Social Envelope
Background Information: 

COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND SAFETY

Commitment 4.4.4 – We will improve our social response to crime reduction by examining and analyzing social indicators, conducting research on what works to reduce crime, and identifying any gaps in territorial programming.

According to the most recent 2015 crime statistics, the NWT had the highest overall crime rate, property crime rate and rate of ‘other’ Criminal Code offences in the country. It had the second highest violent crime rate. This trend remains unchanged from previous years.

A report released by Statistics Canada in 2015 entitled “Crime in Canada’s provincial north and the territories” showed that the northern regions of the provinces also have higher rates of crime than in the South, and some share similar socio-economic conditions with the Territories – low education, low income, high levels of substance abuse (particularly alcohol). In addition to the complicated and interwoven socio-economic factors that influence the rate of crime in the north, Indigenous populations are more likely to face social and economic disadvantages, resulting in more “risk behaviour” and contact with the criminal justice. Developing a better understanding of how these factors affect individuals in the NWT is essential to developing an effective, social response to crime.

The Department of Justice is undertaking an examination of social indicators and a review of existing research into what works to reduce crime (Milestone 1) with a report to be completed in early 2019 (Milestone 2). It is expected that this work will benefit from the lessons learned through the pan-territorial project “Building a Northern Evidence-based Approach to Crime Prevention”, the Integrated Case Management pilot project, and other crime reduction initiatives such as the Wellness Court.

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 4.1.2: Taking into account mental health and addictions, we will look at innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime such as integrated case management, wellness courts, domestic violence treatment options courts, and culturally appropriate correctional programs.