Government of Canada helps Ottawa Muslim Association protect themselves from hate-motivated crimes
OTTAWA, Nov. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced a sum of $46,000 in federal funding for the Ottawa Muslim Association under the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).
This funding will support two projects designed to help the community enhance their security. One of the projects will fund the installation of cameras and an access control system at the Ottawa Muslim Association Mosque. The other will fund the installation of security cameras and an access control system, perform a security assessment and provide training on the use of security equipment at the Association's Hall of Peace.
Budget 2017 committed additional funding of $5 million over five years in support of SIP. The program helps communities 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 needed security improvements.
Quotes
"There is no place in our society for attacks that target groups simply because of their faith. Our government will continue to stand against discrimination. We have a collective responsibility to stand against prejudice in all its forms, and to never allow intolerance and hate to take root in our communities."
— The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"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 license for hate, not in Canada."
— The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
"The Ottawa Muslim Association and the Ottawa mosque have been the target of several hate crimes in the last year. These crimes showed us all as Canadians the importance of working together to protect our common values and the freedom that we all enjoy. The funds received from Government of Canada will help the Association increase security around its properties, which protect worshipers and visitors to the mosque and provide a safe environment to offer prayers and perform religious practice."
— Naeem Malik, Ottawa Muslim Association
Quick Facts
- The Security Infrastructure Program is designed to help communities at risk of hate-motivated crime improve their security infrastructure, which will help make Canada safer for all Canadians.
- Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations linked to a community at risk of being victimized by hate-motivated crime. Approved projects may receive up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
- In December 2016, important improvements were made to make the program more responsive to the needs of communities. This includes considering a wider range of security measures as eligible for funding (for example, improvements both inside and outside facilities) and reaching out to ensure diverse community organizations are aware of the available 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.
Associated Links
SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
For further information: Scott Bardsley, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681, [email protected]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [email protected]
Share this article