Today, Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness announced over $46,000 in federal funding to the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANAL) under the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).

“Recent incidents are a jarring reminder that the inclusive and generous Canada we all want is now, and ever will be, a precious and delicate work-in-progress that we dare not take for granted. The Security Infrastructure Program is an important initiative to help protect all Canadians' right to be free to practice their faith and culture without fear. There is no social license for hate, not in Canada.”

—      The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“Through this funding, the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will enhance security at their mosque in Newfoundland and Labrador.  This will make the community safer and bring greater peace of mind.”

—     Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St.John’s East

“The Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANAL) is very grateful to the Government of Canada for administering the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP). The funding will enable MANAL to address and enhance the existing security measures in the only mosque in Newfoundland and Labrador. The completion of the project will reassure worshippers and other members of society about their safety and security while they are at the mosque.”

—     Dr. Mansoor Pirzada, President, Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANAL)

• The Security Infrastructure Program is designed to help communities at risk of hate-motivated crime improve their security infrastructure, which will help make Canada safer for all Canadians.

• Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations linked to a community at risk of being victimized by hate-motivated crime. Approved projects may receive up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

• In December 2016, important improvements were made to make the program more responsive to the needs of communities. This includes considering a wider range of security measures as eligible for funding (for example, improvements both inside and outside facilities) and reaching out to ensure diverse community organizations are aware of the available funding. Additionally, changes to the application process ensure that funding decisions are provided to applicants within four months of the close of each call for proposal.

• Interested organizations representing places of worship, provincially and territorially recognized schools, and community centers can apply annually from December 1st to January 31st and from June 1st to July 31st through Public Safety Canada’s website, to obtain the application kit and related information.

Associated Links

• Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

Scott Bardsley
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657