Interview

....con't (Interview with Eleanor King)

E.K: Well, I think it is important to point out that in discussing the private sector’s role in community safety, it is much more expansive than those initiatives which fall under our Business Action program.  For example, businesses have acted as key partners under the community mobilization program, and several corporations across Canada have programs which contribute to community safety. 

There are many ways in which businesses are actively involved in community safety for example, providing in-kind support such as office space or supplies, donating large sums of money in children and youth programs, creating information awareness about crime prevention programs, and fostering social inclusion.

 
In Quebec, through our community mobilization program we funded a program called Taxi plus, which was initially piloted in Granby, and later expanded to various Quebec municipalities. The aim of the program is to educate taxi drivers on the key role they can play in ensuring women’s safety, such as responding to the needs of women in difficulty on the street, and being prepared to deliver them to a safe place if required.  A similar program of information dissemination was implemented in beauty salons in Quebec to reach their female clientele.

What becomes apparent is a real social and economic blending when we discuss where the ‘buy in’ takes place.  For example, if an elderly client feels unsafe accessing a store’s premises, small business pays for this in reduced sales.  However, it’s too easy to reduce the ‘buy in’ to a cost savings rationale.  Looking at it from a broader perspective individuals who make up the private sector are also part of their community therefore have both a personal and business stake in safer communities.

While it is important to get the buy in from the private sector, it is also important to celebrate the success that comes from a community safety partnership that actively involves the private sector.

ICPC- Can you give some Canadian examples of longstanding programs that have continued to harness support from the private sector.

Well, one sustainable violence prevention initiative that I can think of which is championed by the private sector is Leave Out Violence (LOVE).  It was founded in 1991, in Montreal, and is now a national non-for-profit agency dedicated to the reduction of youth violence.  In 2000, the Rotary Club of Toronto partnered with LOVE to launch a Toronto-based violence program in inner city schools, where youth work with professionals and participate in photojournalism, print and broadcast.  Through these media they channel their emotions and frustrations and learn to express their feelings in constructive ways.  Other principal funders include the Trillium Foundation, KPMG, CTV Globalmedia and Scotia Bank.  This particular program has also been expanded to other cities in Canada such as Vancouver, Halifax and Montreal. 

Another example of a strong private-public collaborative practice is the San Romanoway Cultural Enrichment Program implemented in the Jane-Finch area of Toronto.  This is an area of Toronto which faces a series of urban challenges including gang-related violence, poverty, interracial tensions and crime.

In July 2002, local businesses, law enforcement officials, community leaders, academics, building owners and tenants met to address the escalation of crime and violence in their community.  The San Romanoway Revitalization Association was formed to develop a detailed plan of action to address the root causes of crime.  The plan included youth programming, community revitalization and enhanced cultural activities. 

The results of the project are phenomenal.  The buildings have been dramatically transformed, there are many youth programs which have consistent high attendance rates, there have been increased security measures and many events have brought the San Romanoway community together such as the Festival of Friends and the Multi-Faith Holiday Season Dinner.

ICPC- Finally, what are some of the benefits and challenges of this private/public partnership in community safety.

Well increasingly in the last 10 years, all levels of government have created linkages with the private sector.  All major public education campaigns in the area of transportation, health, education, recreation and employment have been strongly supported by corporations. 

I would say that the whole concept of long term, proactive interventions that recognize the complex social processes contributing to crime and victimization within society – and use a social development model- are becoming less and less arcane in the business sector.  Such change management requires time, and the benefits are not easily quantifiable.  Return on investment comes slowly, but when it does, what an impact!

Also, The Chambers of Commerce and Conference Board of Canada have been  reinforcing that good corporate citizenship is indeed a sound business practice.  More than half of the NCPC funded projects continue after our funding has ended.  Leveraging of funding is anywhere between 1:4 and 1:9 in business projects.  The next challenge will be to engage the private sector in comprehensive community initiatives, where their investment is likely to be more broad than just focused on a specific project.