Launch of a pilot project to help prevent hate crime

Remarks by the
Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

July 5, 2007
Montreal, Quebec
As delivered

I am honoured to be here with you, with representatives from our communities, the regions, the RCMP and the Sûreté du Québec. I am here to make an announcement that is closely linked to issues that our government believes are of great importance.

As you know, crime prevention is a priority for the Government of Canada. We recognize that it is particularly important to prevent hate motivated crime. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadian communities, especially those who feel vulnerable, can have the opportunity to prosper in a safe and welcoming environment.

The consequences of hate crimes are not only physical. These crimes can instil fear and worry in the hearts of our communities. These crimes cause a great deal of harm to individuals, to their community and to all of us. And unfortunately, there are too many examples.

Ladies and gentlemen, one of Canada's great strengths is that various communities can live together and pursue their hopes, their dreams and all things that are important to them. Unfortunately, from time to time, groups and communities have been the target of hate crimes.

I'm sure no one can forget the effects of a Jewish school being firebombed right here in Montreal. As well, it wasn't that long ago that I visited a Muslim school where all the first floor windows had been smashed and shattered. Only two weeks ago, an Aboriginal community centre was vandalized on National Aboriginal Day. And in Edmonton, I visited a synagogue that was defaced on a day where a great celebration was going to be taking place.

Sometimes, these crimes are reported as victimless because there does not appear to be physical harm. However, the harm is deep in its significance. I remember the looks in the eyes of the children at the Muslim school when I was there right after this incident had happened.

They were wondering why this was happening to them. It's as if they were asking: "What did we do that was so wrong?" These are things that live with people throughout their lifetime.

These things should be opposed, and that's why we have laws to fight crimes that are motivated by hate.

However, we also need to look at prevention. I am pleased to announce today an investment of $3 million in a pilot project that will make funds available for communities who have historically been victims of hate crimes. It will allow those communities to invest in security infrastructure, be it cameras or monitoring systems or fences.

It is a cost-shared program that will be run as a pilot project. The funds will be available through to March 2009. At that point in time, the program will be assessed in terms of its effectiveness and its uptake.

We want to make the clear statement that Canadians should not have to live in fear. And the Government will not allow that to happen. We will make sure that our laws are followed so that when perpetrators of hate crimes are found, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

On the prevention side, the security systems will be available at buildings and areas where various communities meet for purposes of education, worship or other cultural needs. Communities who have historically been targeted by hate crimes will be able to apply and get the funds to make their facilities more secure.

We are making that commitment to these communities today. I want to thank people who are here today who have made suggestions along these lines to us since we were elected. I am pleased that we acted quickly on this matter. The insights you've provided have been very helpful.

The Government of Canada is working at many levels to reach out to all Canadians in all communities. We believe that we are the safest and most secure country on earth. We believe strongly that people should have the freedom to live and to congregate without fear and to embrace with joy the things that matter most to them. And that's why we are launching this pilot project.

Thank you.