Public Safety Minister Toews announces funding to protect community targeted by hate crime in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, July 29, 2010 - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today announced support for important security infrastructure enhancements to help prevent hate crimes directed at the Congregation Schara Tzedeck synagogue and the Ohel Ya'akov Community Kollel in Vancouver, British Columbia. These organizations are receiving Government of Canada funding of over $20,000 from the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) Program.

The Congregation Schara Tzedeck is a synagogue offering religious, educational and social services to the Jewish community in the Vancouver area. The Ohel Ya'akov Community Kollel provides traditional Jewish education and a social network for the Jewish community in the greater Vancouver region.

“Hate-motivated crime often leaves more than just physical damage,” said Minister Toews. “It can put entire communities into a state of fear and anxiety. The funding announced today will help improve security so members of these two organizations 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 approved funding to 101organizations across Canada.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657