Additional provincial funding will help local police deal with mental health issues in Chatham-Kent.
On Friday, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton announced $23.2 million for police forces across southwestern Ontario, $2.6 million of which is earmarked for the Chatham-Kent Police Service Board.
“Day in and day out, our local police are there for us when they’re needed most,” said Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “Our government is proud to support them, and this investment means they will be able to expand critical supports and services across southwestern Ontario to serve the most vulnerable members of our community and continue to protect us all.”
The funding, which comes through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program, aims to support mental health and addiction in the community as well as grassroots social issues.
“Community safety is a top priority, and our government has been strengthening our justice system to protect communities and hold offenders accountable,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “This investment is another way we are helping police services address local challenges and improve the well-being of the people they serve. Whether to combat the opioid crisis, share intelligence, or prevent violent crime, this funding will make a difference in all corners of Ontario.”
The money will be allocated over a three year period, ending in 2025, with twice-yearly reporting on each police service’s financial activities and outcomes of their respective initiatives.
