Funding Doubled to Help Communities Protect Themselves Against Hate-Motivated Crimes

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 7 -- Public Safety Canada issued the following news release:

Today at the Petah Tikva Anshe Castilla Congregation, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness highlighted the Government of Canada's doubling of investments to help communities at risk protect themselves from hate-motivated crimes.

Budget 2017 committed additional funding of $5 million over five years in support of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP). SIP supports communities to enhance security infrastructure against hate-motivated crimes.

When combined with existing funding, SIP will invest up to $10 million over the next five years. Each year, $2 million will be available to help support not-for-profit organizations make much needed security improvements. This investment builds on recent work to broaden access to the program.

Quotes

* "Recent incidents are a jarring reminder that the inclusive and generous Canada we all want is now, and ever will be, a precious and delicate work-in-progress that we dare not take for granted.

* The Security Infrastructure Program is an important initiative to help protect all Canadians' right to be free to practice their faith and culture without fear. There is no social licence for hate, not in Canada."

* The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

* "The Government of Canada is determined to do more to address the climate of fear confronting at-risk communities across the country. It is ever important for those who have been victimized or who worry they may be next, to feel safe and secure in their community centres, schools and places of worship. The Security Infrastructure Program is pivotal to protecting these communities, in particular, the families, children and seniors that frequent these institutions."

* Michael Levitt, Member of Parliament for York Centre

* "The federal government's security infrastructure program is necessary in making it possible for non-profit institutions to secure their premises as best they can, helping to keep their community members as safe as possible."

* Amira Elghawaby, Communications Director, National Council of Canadian Muslims

* "I applaud the Federal Government for taking important steps towards strengthening protections for our LGBTQ communities. With this announcement, we are collectively stating that hate has no place in the communities of our nation."

* Dr. Kristopher Wells, Institute for Sexual Minority Studies & Services, University of Alberta

Quick Facts

* As of December 1st, 2016, important improvements have been made to make the program more responsive to the needs of communities. This includes a wider range of costs considered for SIP funding allowing communities to implement security measures both inside and outside of their facilities, and all not-for-profit organizations linked to a community at risk to apply for funding. Additionally, changes to the application process ensure that funding decisions are provided to applicants within four months of the close of each call for proposal.

* Interested organizations representing places of worship, provincially and territorially recognized schools, and community centers can apply annually from December 1st to January 31st and from June 1st to July 31st through Public Safety Canada's website, to obtain the application kit and related information.

* The Petah Tikva Anshe Castilla Congregation was approved for a contribution of up to $18,266.00 through SIP to invest in security improvements, including a closed circuit television surveillance system and perimeter fencing.