Countering Crime

Public Safety Canada provides federal policy leadership, coordination and program support on many activities related to crime prevention, law enforcement, and the rehabilitation of offenders. The intent is to reduce crime by collaborating with federal, provincial and territorial partners to design and deliver national programs that are specific and appropriate to regions and communities. The programs delivered through these partnerships help provide the tools, education and support to effectively reduce, deter and prevent crime in Canada.

Policing

Public Safety Canada works with national and international partners on policy, legislation, strategies and research. Through these partnerships, Public Safety Canada leads and coordinates efforts to counter crime.

Indigenous Policing

Public Safety Canada provides broad policy advice on Aboriginal policing, public safety and justice issues. The department partners with provinces, territories and communities to support the delivery of policing services that are professional, dedicated and responsive.

Crime Prevention

Public Safety Canada provides national leadership on effective and cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime. The Department provides tools, knowledge resources and support in communities large and small across Canada so they can intervene and reduce factors related to criminal behaviour.

Corrections and Criminal Justice

Public Safety Canada is responsible for developing legislation and policies governing corrections and criminal justice, providing information and referrals related to federal corrections and conditional release to victims of federal offenders, providing research expertise to support the corrections community and implementing innovative approaches to improve community safety and well-being, including working with Indigenous communities and organizations to foster reintegration and support alternatives to incarceration services for Indigenous offenders.

Organized Crime

Public Safety Canada's role in the fight against organized crime is one of policy development and coordination. It brings together law enforcement agencies with federal, provincial and territorial partners to develop unified strategies and policies, ensuring a direct link between the law enforcement community and public policy makers. Public Safety Canada also ensures a high level of policy coordination with international partners.

Illicit Drugs

Public Safety Canada is working in close collaboration with other departments and agencies to tackle illicit drug issues. Public Safety Canada also continues to work in partnership with its provincial, territorial and municipal law enforcement counterparts to reduce the supply of, and demand for, illicit drugs.

Contraband Tobacco

Public Safety Canada is continuing to address the issue of contraband tobacco on a national level in collaboration with provincial governments and police services, Aboriginal communities and industry stakeholders. Public Safety Canada provides support and leadership in the development of policies, programs, regulations and legislation that helps disrupt and reduce the trade in contraband tobacco.

Child Sexual Exploitation on the Internet

Through leadership, coordination and funding, Public Safety Canada helps support the development of strategies, programs and projects that combat child sexual exploitation on the Internet. Additionally, support for research, evaluation and training is provided to the organizations leading these programs and projects.

Human Trafficking

Public Safety Canada's efforts to combat human trafficking are guided by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. Through a four pillar approach, the government seeks to prevent trafficking from occurring, protect victims of human trafficking, bring perpetrators to justice and build partnerships domestically and internationally.

Human Smuggling

Public Safety Canada is committed to cracking down on human smuggling and other abuses of Canada's immigration system. Under the Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness can designate the arrival of a group of persons into Canada as irregular, and make those involved subject to the Act's measures. These measures make it easier for officials to investigate irregular migrants, human smugglers and those who provide them transportation.

Firearms Legislation to Make Communities Safer

With communities across the country facing a steady increase in gun violence over the past five years, the Government of Canada is strengthening Canada's gun laws in a common-sense, focused and effective way. Legislation introduced prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners.

Gun and Gang Violence

Firearm-related homicides in Canada have been steadily increasing. Shootings have now become the most common method of homicide, surpassing homicide by stabbing and beating. Gang-related homicides involving guns are no exception. The federal government is leading initiatives and working with partners and stakeholders to tackle the increase in criminal gun related violence and gang activity in Canada.

Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Committee, which was originally established in 2006, is to provide advice on measures to reform Canada’s firearms policies, laws and regulations to ensure an up-to-date firearms regime that will keep Canadians safe.