Canada: Ontario Ford Govt invests $25 million to wipe out gun violence and gangs

Ford also asked the City of Toronto and the federal government to each do their part by matching Ontario's investment.

"We are calling on them to step up and do their part," said Ford. "The Feds must do more and the city must step forward, because we all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe."

This new funding of $25 million is an addition to the $76 million already being provided to support the Toronto Police Service.

"It's time to get serious about fighting guns and gangs," said Premier Doug Ford, "With today's announcement, we are sending a clear message to the violent criminals carrying out gun violence on our streets. We are letting them know that we are coming for them. We are giving our police the cutting-edge tools that they need to fight drug gangs and gun criminals in 2018."

As part of this provincial funding, about  $7.6 million will be invested in assigning one legal SWAT team per courthouse to be located at each of Toronto's provincial courthouses.

A Crown Attorney will lead each team with a mandate to focus to ensure violent gun criminals are denied bail and remain behind bars.

A new team of bail compliance officers, would further support these teams on ensuring that those gun criminals who are out on bail are not violating any of the terms of their release.

"Those who commit violent gun offences belong behind bars, and not on bail," said Mulroney. "These new resources will help keep the worst offenders off the streets and keep our neighbourhoods safe."

"The senseless gun violence we are seeing in Toronto needs to stop and the status quo will not cut it," said Tibollo. "We're proud to partner with our police officers and ensure they have the tools they need to crack down on crime and help restore public safety across the city."

Toronto Chief of Police Mark Saunders and members of the Toronto Police Service were also extensively consulted.

The Ford Government also announced to dedicate $18 million in funding to provide additional digital, investigative and analytical resources necessary for fighting drug gangs and gun criminals in 2018.

"Part of our strategy to address gun violence in the city includes partnering with the provincial government for a collaborative and meaningful response," said Toronto Chief of Police Mark Saunders.

"With today's announcement, Premier Ford and his government have listened to our concerns and have invested in the Toronto Police Service, giving us the ability to be surgical with apprehending those who use guns and ensuring the courts have the resources they need to deal with violent criminals."

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)