Canadian Government Spending Millions To Protect Mosques And Other At Risk Communities

The latest funding is going to a Halifax mosque.

In a world of tragedy and senseless acts of violence, the Canadian government's Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) has offered a bit of a solution for marginalized communities. Communities who worry about violence or hate-crimes are able to apply for funding from the government to add enhanced security features.

One of the latest beneficiaries of this program is a Muslim community in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was announced today, by Andy Fillmore, the MP for Halifax, that the Ummah Masjid and Community Centre would be receiving almost $15,000 in funding from SIP.

The Ummah Masjid and Community Centre is a mosque and public community centre where people gather for prayer and also host public events and activities for the local Muslim community.

The need for security upgrades to this mosque comes after the deadly mosque shooting in New Zealand in April of this year. The attack claimed 51 lives. In the wake of that shooting, the Halifax Imam, Abdallah Yousri told CBC, "It's better to be cautious. We want to find all possible means to secure the mosque and feel like we did our best."

In a press release, they say that some of the potential security upgrades they are hoping to make with this new funding include "indoor and outdoor security camera system, alarm system with motion sensors, keyless door locks, and/or security window film."

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This is only one example of the Security Infrastructure Program, which has committed $4 million in 2019 to non-profit organizations in need of enhanced security.

On the government website, they say, "the SIP supports the implementation of projects to help communities with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime through the enhancement of their security infrastructure."

Organizations can receive up to $35,000 which can be used for physical upgrades and renovations, as well as an additional $10,000 that can be used for staff training. SIP will contribute up to 50% of an organizations security project.

There are two application periods for SIP every year, one in December and another in June and July. Applications are currently open until July 31, 2019 at 11:59 PM PDT.