From Crisis to Prevention: Confronting Crime in Atlantic Canada

This week's Insights podcast addresses the challenge of growing crime across Atlantic Canada. This is a concern among business owners and the general public in all four provinces.  To talk about this issue, Don and David are joined by Mike Hammoud, Vice-President, Atlantic Canada at the Convenience Industry Council of Canada and Danny Fournier, Senior Manager with Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Canada’s (RBH) department of Illicit Trade Prevention (ITP).  Mike and Danny discuss trends that could be driving the increase in crime, such as the cost of living, the mental health crisis, expanded drug use and the growing presence of organized crime in our region. More importantly, the conversation focuses on solutions.  We need expanded public education, a stronger focus on prevention, better use of technology, and mobilization of communities through groups such as Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch.  Importantly, our police services need the resources to focus upstream before the 911 call is ever made.  Better prevention and deterrents should lead to a decrease in crime across our region. This is an important conversation.