Funding incentive announced to help prevent hate-driven attacks on religious communities in Hamilton

The federal government has launched a new strategy to protect religious community organizations in Hamilton. 

In a release yesterday (Sept. 29), Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada announced a joint incentive launched by Filomena Tassi, the Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Dominic LeBlanc, the Federal Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs. 

The overall initiative — a cash injection of $251,893 — is designed to support religious organizations in Hamilton, specifically in this case, with funding from the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP), a platform designed to bolster security against hate-motivated attacks nationwide. 

“Canada has no place for hate-motivated incidents and all Canadians deserve to feel safe — regardless of where they live, work, gather and pray. Investments like these are but one example of the government’s ongoing commitment to keep our country safe for all, no matter your religious affiliation or beliefs,” said Tassi in an official statement. 

This lumpsum for Hamilton institutions may also be the last of its kind, as on September 24, LeBlanc announced the new Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), which is slated to replace the SIP.

Federal and provincial officials have noted that applications for the CCSP will launch tomorrow (Oct. 1). 

Organizations with an active application with the SIP will be contacted by Public Safety, and according to federal officials, will be given the option to continue the application process under the new program.

Those looking to apply to the CCSP must have eligible requests, including a need for updated security equipment, renovations, assessments and third-party security personnel to protect against potential hate-driven threats. 

For more information on the SIP and CCSP programs, visit the Government of Canada’s official website.