NWT residents want to feel safe in their communities. The NWT has some of the highest crime and victimization rates in Canada. It is critical that we understand the root causes of crime and the impact it has on our residents and communities to ensure efforts to address and prevent crime are effective. Equally important are efforts to intervene and disrupt patterns of repeat offending that too often are challenging residents’ sense of safety. To promote the safety of residents and communities in the NWT, the GNWT will:
- Work with law enforcement, governments, communities and across departments to create and strengthen tools that can be used to disrupt and combat the drug trade and associated criminal activity;
- Focus on crime prevention through collaborative efforts at early intervention, integrated and person-centered service delivery, and community driven solutions;
- Enhance public education and awareness of drugs and alcohol and their connection to crime in the NWT.