HAMILTON, ONTARIO, July 9, 2013 —Today, David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, announced Government of Canada funding for the Muslim Association of Hamilton, as part of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).
“I'm pleased that another two local projects are being funded under this federal program,” said MP Sweet. “One of the most fundamental freedoms we have as Canadians is to exercise our right to worship -- which we defend around the globe. Ensuring local communities feel safe at their mosques, temples, and synagogues is just as important.”
“Through this funding, our Government is helping to reduce hate crime and make our streets and communities safer,” added MP Sweet. “Our Government is helping to ensure that members of the Hamilton Muslim community can practice their beliefs and traditions peacefully, in a safe and secure environment.”
The National Crime Prevention Centre’s SIP provides funding for security enhancements to 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 at their project site or in its immediate geographic area.
The Muslim Association of Hamilton received $17,791.35 for the Umar Mosque and $36,928.18 for the Mountain Mosque. The funding announced today was used to implement security measures that will help prevent hate crimes, leading to an increase in overall community safety. Eligible costs under SIP 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, installation fees; and
- training costs directly related to the new security infrastructure.
From April 2012 to March 2013, the Government provided funding through Public Safety Canada to 38 projects to enhance the security infrastructure of communities targeted by hate-motivated crimes.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan has a number of initiatives to help ensure that all Canadians can feel safe in their own communities, including $1 million annually for SIP.
For more information about the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program, please visit http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/cp/sip/index-eng.aspx.
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Information:
Julie Carmichael
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
