It is an honour to be here tonight
to support the work of Michelle Fillion
and the Residents Against Gang Environments.
I am proud that the Edmonton Southeast
Constituency Association is able to
contribute to the good work RAGE is
doing.
All of us have been shocked by the
incidents of violence in Edmonton
Southeast over the past few months.
These actions and the destruction
caused to our community is senseless
and deplorable. Going door to door
during the election campaign it was
an issue that was mentioned time and
time again. Residents want to see
action, and an end to the violence.
I’m always struck by how remarkable
it is that even out of something negative,
something positive can be birthed.
In this case, I’m talking about
Michelle Fillion and her group. They
have seen a tremendous need in this
community and have stepped in to provide
help. I commend them for their efforts,
achievements and for what I am sure
they will achievements of the future.
For those of you who are not familiar
with RAGE, they are a group of residents
of Edmonton Southeast, just like us,
who were distressed by the violence
and decided to do something about
it. The group is working to find solutions
that will address the root causes
of crime. They are calling for increased
police presence in Edmonton Southeast
and tougher penalties for youth crime,
repeat offences and gang-related activities.
I think the mission of RAGE is truly
worthwhile and I am very happy that
the Edmonton Southeast Constituency
Association of the Liberal Party is
able to contribute to their work with
this cheque. I hope that all of us
here tonight will take the time to
contribute in many other ways, with
our time, resources and support. If
we are to make a difference in this
community it’s up to all of us
to do our part.
