Government of Canada launches next phase of hate crime prevention program

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Program helps ensure a greater sense of security for communities

Toronto - December 15, 2011 - The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, and Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, today announced the launch of the next phase of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program.

“We are proud to announce that the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program is now ready to accept applications. This program will continue to help reduce hate crime and make our streets and communities safer, as well as continue to build the resilience of our communities against all forms of violence,” said Minister Toews. “It will help ensure community members can practice their faith, culture, and activities peacefully, without fear of harm.”

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

Eligible costs for minor security enhancements 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.

Following the successful pilot phase of the program, a number of funded organizations reported a greater sense of security at their site, and a reduced number of incidents or no incidents since security measures were implemented. During this three-year pilot, 121 projects were approved.

In addition to funding committed for this program through the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is also supporting other crime prevention programs to help reduce and prevent crime. Last year alone, our government funded 160 community-based crime prevention programs through the National Crime Prevention Strategy, in which nearly 10,000 at-risk youth participated.

For more information about the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program and to find out how to apply please visit:http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/le/sip-eng.aspx

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