Public Safety committee  Thanks, Mitch. Definitely. We've started a youth program now where we've incorporated land-based ideas and teachings. I think that's part of the key to get youth involved, versus being part of gangs and things like that.

Public Safety committee  I'm sorry. I didn't get the question.

Public Safety committee  It's not coming in as interpreted, so I'm not understanding the language.

Public Safety committee  I'll let my colleague Mitch Bourbonniere speak on this. He hasn't had a chance to speak, so I'd like to get his views on that.

Public Safety committee  We appreciate it. Thank you.

Public Safety committee  I know for ourselves we're trying to put together a youth patrol program so we can work with our youth. I think the key for everything is to start with getting our youth involved. I know that when I was growing up, sports was a very big influence in keeping me out of trouble and keeping me busy.

Public Safety committee  From my experience, I walk five nights a week in the north end. I'm on the ground with my people, and for us it's about being consistent, being out there, engaging with the community members at their level and meeting them at their level, not going there to try to change what they're about.

Public Safety committee  We see a lot of that with the rise in improvised weapons, handgun use. Violent crimes are on the rise for sure. Everything stems from poverty, trauma, and things like that. If we can start with programs to get the people looked after, maybe we can start working on some of the crime issues.

Public Safety committee  I don't think so. I think the people who are using the weapons criminally won't be turning them in to anyone any time soon. We were fortunate that we had gained the trust that one time when we were able to get that one firearm off the street, but it's not like.... We're not taking them off....

Public Safety committee  Of the hard drugs in the city, meth is getting to be a real problem. Just to give you an example, since September, we've picked up 11,000 needles. It gives you an idea of what's going on in the north end and surrounding areas.

Public Safety committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon. My name is Kevin Walker, and I'm the interim executive director for Bear Clan Patrol Inc. Our organization was formed in 1992, and it has since grown from a single chapter in the north end to four chapters in Winnipeg and many throughout the province and Canada.