Government supports community organization targeted by hate crime

OTTAWA, September 5, 2008 - Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Orleans), on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced support for the Ottawa Muslim Association to assist them with security infrastructure enhancements.

"In July 2007, our Government announced the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot Program," said Mr. Galipeau. "Today's announcement demonstrates our government's leadership and commitment to protecting the right of all Canadians to live in a society where every citizen is safe in their community."

The Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) Program is a $3 million two-year pilot program administered by Public Safety Canada.  The program helps defray the costs of security infrastructure enhancements at not-for-profit community centres, provincially recognized educational institutions, and places of worship that are clearly linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime.

Today's announcement will see up to $68,200 in program funding provided to the community organization to help with security improvement costs.

Eligible costs include:

• security assessments;
• security equipment and hardware, such as alarm systems, closed-circuit televisions, fences, gates, lighting, intercom systems;
• minor construction costs related to the project, such as contractor fees, labour, equipment rental, installation fees; and
• training costs for the use of new security equipment.

In addition to this project, the SIP Program has thus far provided funding to 38 organizations across Canada.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657