Public Safety Minister Vic Toews Announces Funding to Protect Communities Targeted by Hate Crime in Edmonton

"Our Government is committed to building stronger and safer communities," 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. Hate-motivated crime often leaves more than just physical damage; it can put entire communities into a state of fear and anxiety. The funding announced today will allow these organizations to create a more secure environment for their members."

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
    televisions, digital video recorders, fences, gates, lighting, intercom
    systems; 
--  minor construction costs related to the project, such as contractor
    fees, labour, equipment rental, 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 Backgrounder(http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2010/nr20100312-1-eng.aspx)

For more information about the SIP Program, please visit www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

613-991-0657