Government of Canada helps communities at risk protect themselves from hate-motivated crimes by contributing to increased security at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto Français
TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament for Scarborough North, on behalf of the Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced over $78,000 in federal funding to the Islamic Foundation of Toronto under the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).
This funding will support security enhancement work at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto including the installation of security cameras, access control and lighting.
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
"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
"Through this funding, the Islamic Foundation of Toronto will enhance security. This is a great contribution to ensure their members feel safer and continue to be a strong and vital force for our community. "
— Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament for Scarborough North
"At this challenging time when faith related organizations are facing hate related crimes, it is paramount that we take serious steps to secure our facilities, especially when we have hundreds of children & seniors, men and women, present on a daily basis. For such an important project, Public Safety Canada funding to improve and upgrade the security infrastructure of Islamic Foundation of Toronto is great. This enhances our confidence that our government cares about us."
— Akbar Warsi, President, Islamic Foundation of Toronto
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
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Scott Bardsley. Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657
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