Safer Streets and Communities Task Force Members Announced

A diverse group of Nova Scotians will gather information from across the province on preventing and addressing crime.

Justice Minister Murray Scott announced the Minister's Task Force on Safer Streets and Communities today, Dec. 8.

"I am impressed by the overwhelming knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of those who applied for membership," said Mr. Scott. "It is so encouraging to see this many people interested in building stronger communities for the benefit of their fellow Nova Scotians."

More than 80 people applied and 25 were selected for the task force. Because of the large response, regional subcommittees will also be created to support the task force.

The project was announced earlier this year and a call for applications closed in October. Task force applications were reviewed to ensure a broad cross-section of representation.

"We have attracted people with varied backgrounds, including policing, youth programming, child development and protection, higher education, and restorative justice," said Mr. Scott. "The members are also diverse in age, cultural background and geography, and will bring a wide variety of perspectives to this important work."

Task force members are: Jim MacLeod, Sydney; Frank MacArthur, New Glasgow; Franz Kesick, Truro; Stephanie Simonsen, Truro; Frank Beazley, Halifax; Brad Parks, Port Hawksbury; Steve Miller, Newport; Frank Capstick, Glace Bay; David Olding, Halifax; Owen Carrigan, Halifax; Jemell Moriah, Dartmouth; Collette Williams-Dooks, Jeddore; Jane Moffatt Schnare, Bridgewater; Janice Fraser, New Glasgow; Barb Dewtie, Pictou; Timothy Cremo, Eskasoni; Carolann Wright Parks, Beechville; Pamela Harrison, Halifax; Tara Connolly, Halifax; Donald Jacquard, Yarmouth; Tim Crooks, Halifax; Barbara Simmons, Cole Harbour; Oralee O'Byrne, Parrsboro; Harold Miller, River Phillip and Ingrid Brodie, Kentville.

In the new year, the task force will hold focus-group meetings with community representatives across the province. A website will be set up to receive comment from interested Nova Scotians. The information will help create a provincial crime prevention strategy.

"We are approaching crime prevention through significant and serious law enforcement, coupled with programs that address the root causes of crime," said Mr. Scott. "The roots of solutions exist within Nova Scotian communities, and gathering the views of involved, concerned and knowledgeable people is an essential step."