Ottawa invests $2.2 million to give Edmonton youths a literal fighting chance

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-09-09 23:22:54.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Municipal, Justice, Public Safety, Social Services]

The federal government, through Justice Minister Sean Fraser, announced a $2.2 million investment from the Crime Prevention Action Fund to support the Empire Fighting Chance program in Edmonton. Administered locally through REACH Edmonton and operated out of Brave MMA and Fitness, the program adapts a model from Bristol, England, utilizing non-contact boxing, martial arts discipline, and psychologically informed mentoring to redirect at-risk youth away from crime and gang activity. Local municipal leaders, including Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack, alongside organizations like Native Counselling Services of Alberta, collaborated on the initiative to provide barrier-free early intervention and mental health resources.