Public Safety Minister Toews announces funding to protect communities targeted by hate crime in Toronto

Three Toronto region community organizations benefit

TORONTO, July 27, 2010 – Today the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Public Safety Minister, announced more than $60,000 in funding support for security infrastructure improvements for three religious organizations in greater Toronto. The three organizations are the Toronto Maha Vihara Society, the Gur Mandir Temple, and the Buddhist Mission Centre. The organizations are receiving federal support from the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) Program. 

“This Government has made a commitment to build stronger, safer communities in the face of prejudice and violence. We want to ensure that our vulnerable communities are able to protect themselves against hate motivated crime.” said Minister Toews. “The unfortunate reality is that Canada is not immune from violent acts that target individuals or groups based on their race, culture, religion or identity. The funding announced today will help improve security so the members of three organizations in Toronto can practice their faith and culture peacefully, and continue to remain engaged in our community without fear of harm.”

The Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) Program provides funding for security enhancements for not-for-profit community centres, provincially-recognized educational institutions, and places of worship linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime.

• Eligible costs include:
• security assessments (not to exceed 25% of total project costs);
• security equipment and hardware such as alarm systems, closed-circuit television systems, digital video recorders, fences, gates, and lighting;
• minor construction costs related to the project, such as contractor fees, labour, equipment rental, and installation fees; and
• training costs directly related to the new security infrastructure.

The SIP Program was created in 2007 and is a $3 million, three-year pilot program administered by Public Safety Canada. The SIP Program has provided funding to 101 organizations across Canada.

For more information about organizations receiving funding, see the Backgrounder

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657