(Ottawa) The federal government is providing $5 million for private security and other safety measures for community groups concerned about an increase in hate-fueled violence, the Minister of Public Safety announced Monday.
This additional funding is a response to the growing concerns that MPs are hearing from their constituents who say they fear for their security following recent international events, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Monday in the House of Commons. communities.
He gave no further details, but the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests across Canada – and fear within the Jewish and Muslim communities.
Recent events have created “a very real concern that exists in communities across the country,” LeBlanc said.
The funding, which is in addition to an existing security infrastructure program, will allow community organizations to request services such as temporary private security.
Eligibility rules have also been expanded to allow access to child care centers, community centers and office buildings used by vulnerable communities.
Ottawa police last week warned of several instances of hate crimes, including graffiti, vandalism, hate mail and threats targeting Jews and Muslims in Ottawa, and promised that there would be increased police presence at protests and in areas of religious and cultural significance.
The number of hate crime-related calls to Toronto police has also increased since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October, Chief Myron Demkiw said last month.
Last weekend, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the display of a swastika during a rally in support of the Palestinians on Parliament Hill.
“Canadians have the right to peacefully assemble – but we cannot tolerate anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or hatred of any kind,” he wrote on the social media platform X.
The Minister of Public Security said he was working with the police and the Security Intelligence Service to ensure the safety of the population.
In the meantime, he asked his ministry to accelerate financial support to communities that want to strengthen the security of their buildings. Applications for the funds open Thursday.