Federal Liberals to ease application process for hate crime prevention fund
Posted Nov 28, 2016 10:44:26 AM.
Last Updated Nov 28, 2016 10:52:45 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – The federal government says will make it easier for religious and cultural groups to get financial help to improve security in and around their buildings.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says the government plans to ease application requirements and expand the list of eligible projects available for schools, community centres and places of worship.
The $1 million a year program funds up to half of project costs to a maximum of $100,000.
The changes take effect Dec. 1.
Goodale says the changes are a result of concerns raised to MPs and a recent spate of hate crimes in Canada, including in Ottawa, where Jewish and Muslim community centres and places of worship were targeted with graffiti.
He says the concerns about a rise in hate crimes in Britain following the Brexit vote and the rhetoric during the recent American election did not trigger discussions about changes to the security program.
Related:
Police investigate two more cases of racist graffiti
Teen facing multiple charges after vandalism to religious buildings
Police probe swastika spray-painted on local synagogue
