For Immediate Release

July 12, 2005

PROVINCE PROVIDES FUNDING TO MAKE KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS SAFER AND HELP KEEP DRUNK DRIVERS OFF THE ROAD

KINGSTON — John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands announced today the province’s funding of $13,141.58, to reduce impaired driving, helping fulfill the McGuinty government’s commitment to make Ontario communities safer.

Today’s funding announcement is important news for Kingston residents, said Gerretsen. “We’re giving our police the tools and resources necessary to keep our streets safe and reduce impaired driving in our community.” The RIDE program has a history of success in communicating the effects of impaired driving and our government supports their vision of making Ontario safer.

The Kingston Police Service was one of the 162 police services and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachments across the province to receive RIDE funds for 2004-05. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services provides $1.2 million to municipalities annually for RIDE program activities.

“Helping police keep drunk drivers off the road furthers our efforts to make Ontario safer,” said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter. “We will continue to work with our partners to keep the RIDE program vibrant and effective across the province.”

Drinking and driving is still the principal cause of criminal death and injury in our society. The RIDE program provides funds for drinking and driving counter-measures beyond those carried out routinely by municipal police services and contracted Ontario Provincial Police services. Assistance is only provided for overtime or paid duty enforcement costs.

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