ONTARIO INCREASING FUNDING TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM AND ISLAMOPHOBIA
Increased anti-hate grant will help keep Muslim and Jewish communities safe
HAMILTON — The Ontario government is investing an additional $20.5 million this year to help address the rise of hate incidents across Ontario, including in Flamborough-Glanbrook, against religious and minority groups, particularly amid the recent spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The new funding, prioritizing Jewish and Muslim communities, will expand the province’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, helping faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure. Eligible organizations interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/antihatesecurity to learn more. Applications will be open from December 14, 2023 at 9 a.m. until January 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
“Hate has no place in Ontario. Our government stands firm in its support of Ontario’s Muslim and Jewish communities. We will continue to work with them, and all communities, to ensure their safety and build a stronger Ontario where every person is welcomed, accepted and included,” said Donna Skelly, Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP. “The new Expanded Anti-Hate Security Grant will help address the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia and make a huge difference in keeping our community safe. I encourage all Jewish, Muslim and other communities at risk of hate in Hamilton to apply.”
The funding will provide community facilities, including synagogues, mosques, community hubs and Jewish and Muslim schools and child care centres, with up to $20,000 to help better protect their spaces from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism or other damage. Grant funding can be used for measures such as hiring security staff, surveillance cameras, security assessments, cybersecurity, and building repairs.
“The rise in antisemitic, Islamophobic and other acts of hate we have seen in recent weeks is completely unacceptable and has no place in Ontario,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “We stand firm in our support of Ontario’s Muslim and Jewish communities and will continue to work with them, and all faith-based and cultural groups, to ensure their safety.”
“Acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate have no place in Ontario and are toxic to our democracy,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “People of all faiths have the inherent right to feel safe in their communities and their places of worship deserve respect. This strategic investment will support these institutions in making facility enhancements to further protect their patrons and their property.”
This $20.5 million investment builds on the $12.5 million provided to over 1,400 faith-based and cultural organizations through the first round of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. Previous recipients of the grant are eligible for a top-up payment of up to $10,000.
QUICK FACTS
- The new dedicated stream of funding will provide up to a maximum of $20,000 per non-profit organization, based on its revenues.
- All faith-based, cultural, 2SLGBTQQIA+, First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations who need support and meet the criteria are eligible to receive funding however priority will be given to those that primarily serve Jewish and Muslim communities.
- Since 2021, the government has allocated a total of $86 million in grants and programs to protect faith and cultural communities.
- Based on 2021 StatsCan Police Reported Hate Crime data, Jewish and Muslim communities are among those most targeted.
Media Contacts
Grant MacLean
Office of Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook
Grant.maclean@pc.ola.org
905-679-3770