Today, the Government of Canada announced federal funding for two projects to improve security and accessibility at the Caribou Torah Education Foundation.

“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

“Canada is at its best and all of society benefits when everyone is included. The Enabling Accessibility Fund is one of the measures that exist to ensure persons with disabilities have opportunities to participate on an equal basis. Through this funding and partnerships with organizations like the Caribou Torah Education Foundation, we are working to build a more inclusive and accessible Canada.”

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

“The enhanced security measures provided by the Security Infrastructure Program mean a greater peace of mind, and a safer and more secure school and synagogue for members of the community. Additionally, the accessibility project announced today is another example of what the Government of Canada is doing to help Canadians of all abilities to fully participate in and contribute to their workplaces and communities. I want to thank all participating organizations for applying for funding that will help to make our communities and workplaces more inclusive for all Canadians.”

- Marco Mendicino, Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence

“Thank you to Public Safety and the Government of Canada who have made available the funding to ensure the safety and accessibility of our organization.  We as an elementary school and synagogue with hundreds of children have the responsibility of looking after the safety and needs of these students.  Together with the help of our Canadian Government, our parents can now feel confident that their children are being protected, cared for and are in a safe environment throughout the day.”

- Rabbi Binyamin Septon, Executive Director - Caribou Torah Education Foundation

• 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.

• Budget 2017 committed additional funding of $5 million over five years in support of SIP. The program helps communities enhance security infrastructure against hate-motivated crimes.  When combined with existing funding, SIP will invest up to $10 million over the next five years. Each year, $2 million will be available to help support not-for-profit organizations make needed security improvements.

• Since the creation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) in 2007, the Government of Canada has funded over 3,000 projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to their communities' programs, services and workplaces.

• The EAF has an annual (grants and contributions) base budget of $13.65 million.

• Starting in 2018–19, the EAF grants and contributions budget will grow to $20.65 million, as Budget 2017 provided $77 million ($70 million in grants and contributions and $7 million in operational funding) over 10 years to expand the activities of the EAF and support more small and mid-sized projects, including youth‑driven proposals, aimed at improving accessibility in Canadian communities and workplaces.

Related Products

• Government of Canada creates equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities

Associated Links

• Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program
• Funding: Enabling Accessibility in Workplaces and Communities

Scott Bardsley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681
scott.bardsley@canada.ca

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca

Annabelle Archambault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
819-934-1122 / TTY: 1-866-702-6967
annabelle.archambault@canada.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca