Halifax's Ummah Society Awarded $1.2M Federal Grant for Youth Gang Prevention in Atlantic Canada
The Ummah Society has secured $1,273,617 in federal funding to launch a major youth intervention and safety initiative across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The investment, provided through Public Safety Canada’s Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF), was officially announced during a ceremony held in Halifax on February 20, 2026
The event featured the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, alongside MP Shannon Miedema, who highlighted the government’s commitment to community-led social programming.
The announcement was also attended by MP Braedon Clark, MP Chris d’Entremont, and MP Sameer Zuberi, underscoring the broad regional support for the initiative.
Addressing Root Causes
The funding is designated for the development of programs aimed at marginalized youth who may be at risk of gang involvement or social isolation.
By focusing on prevention rather than just intervention, the initiative seeks to provide young people with the tools necessary to build "safer, more inclusive, and connected futures."
For community leaders and policy experts, the grant represents a shift toward addressing the systemic barriers—such as poverty and lack of mentorship—that often lead to youth vulnerability.
"In Halifax, as in many cities across Canada, we face real challenges," noted Abdullah Yousri, CEO of Ummah Society. "This funding is more than a financial contribution. It is an investment in local leadership, community trust, and the organizations working every day on the front lines."
The Ummah Society’s approach emphasizes strengthening the social fabric of the region by ensuring that at-risk youth have access to culturally competent resources.
A Regional Expansion
While many federal grants are localized to specific municipalities, this project is notable for its regional scope, covering both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The program aims to bridge the resource gap often felt in Atlantic Canadian communities compared to larger urban centres in Central or Western Canada.
The Ummah Society indicated that it will work closely with community partners, families, and young leaders as the program begins its rollout.
The initiative, titled "Gang Busters: Reducing Youth Violence and Gang Involvement," focuses on supporting young people aged 15 to 30—particularly from the Muslim community—across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The initiative is expected to offer a variety of services, including:
- Mentorship and Leadership Training: Connecting youth with positive role models within their communities.
- Skill Development: Providing vocational and educational support to foster economic independence.
- Community Integration: Creating pathways for marginalized youth to participate more fully in local society.
A Commitment to the Future
The success of the Ummah Society in securing the competitive YGPF grant reflects the organization’s growing role as a leader in social services across the Maritimes.
By leveraging local trust and cultural expertise, the society is positioned to implement programs that government agencies often find difficult to manage directly.
With the federal funding now in place, the Ummah Society begins the work of transforming these resources into tangible opportunities for the next generation of Atlantic Canadians.
Sources
- Public Safety Canada. (2026, February 20). Government of Canada invests in Youth Gang Prevention in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. [Canada.ca News Release].
- Global News. (2026, February 20). Gang prevention program for Muslim youth in Maritimes receives federal funding. Reported by Global Halifax.
- CTV News Atlantic. (2026, February 20). Ottawa announces funding for new initiative to support young Muslims in the Maritimes. Reported by Suzette Belliveau.