Safer Streets and Communities Task Force Meetings in northern N.S.

Members of the Minister's Task Force on Safer Streets and Communities want Nova Scotians to have their say on preventing and addressing crime.

Meetings in Parrsboro, Bible Hill and New Glasgow will take place in the next few weeks.

"We know the roots of solutions often lie in the experience and expertise of people directly involved at the local level," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers to gather ideas and input from their fellow Nova Scotians."

The minister's task force was launched in December 2006 with the announcement of a diverse group of 25 volunteers from across the province. The task force is gathering information on community programs, government services, legislation and policing initiatives that are making a positive difference in communities.

The task force will submit a report to the minister of justice in May. The information will be used to help create a provincial crime prevention strategy.

Upcoming meetings dates are:

Today, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parrsboro, Parrsboro Regional High School, 109 King St.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bible Hill, Bible Hill Village Hall, 69 Pictou Rd.

Monday, March 5, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. New Glasgow, Pictou/Antigonish Regional Library, 182 Dalhousie St.

A full list of meeting dates and locations are available on the Task Force website at www.gov.ns.ca/just, or by calling 902-424-8647 or 902-424-7775.

A bilingual questionnaire is available on the website and can be submitted to sheparci@gov.ns.ca, by mail to Minister's Task Force, P.O. Box 7, 151 Terminal Rd., Halifax, N.S., B3J 2L6, or faxed to 902-424-6403.