Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities
Applications opening soon for Ontario’s Anti-Hate Security Prevention Grant program
October 21, 2024
Citizenship and Multiculturalism
Table of Contents
- Content
- Quick Facts
- Quotes
- Additional Resources
- Related Topics
TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $12.75 million this year to help address the rise of hate incidents and keep communities safe across the province. This is part of the government’s $25.5 million investment over two years in the new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure.
“Everyone in Ontario should be able to practice their faith and express their beliefs, without the fear of experiencing acts of hate, intimidation or violence,” said Graham McGregor, acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “We continue to invest in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant program to support communities in establishing safe and inclusive environments for all Ontarians, regardless of their background, religion or culture.”
The grant provides up to $10,000 to eligible community organizations to help them 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 Anti-Hate Security Prevention Grant application portal opens on October 31, 2024, and closes on December 2, 2024. Previous grant recipients are encouraged to apply again for 2024-25. Organizations can review eligibility and learn more at Ontario.ca/AHSP.
Eligible organizations include:
- Religious and spiritual communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples, churches, etc.)
- First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous organizations
- Cultural groups (e.g., 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, Black, Asian and other diverse organizations offering programs, workshops and ceremonies that promote their communities’ cultures)
- A complete list can be found at Ontario.ca/AHSP
Since 2021, the government has invested a total of $86 million to support over 2,000 faith-based and cultural communities.
Quick Facts
- Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities have been among the most targeted groups of hate crimes in recent years. There were more than 2,400 police-reported hate crimes incidents in Ontario in 2023.
- The Ontario government is investing more than $1.5 million through the 2022-2024 Safer and Vital Communities Grant program. This funding will help 17 community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nations Chiefs and Band Councils, support projects that prevent online hate crime, human trafficking and fraud.
Quotes
“The Beth Radom Congregation is very appreciative of the funds from the Ontario government to enhance security for our building. We were able to install security cameras and update our alarm system, which has proven valuable during this recent rise in antisemitism in Toronto.”
– Mark Vernon
President, Beth Radom Congregation
“Places of worship are powerful symbols and when they are subject to acts of hate, all of society is diminished. Through the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, the Toronto and Region Islamic Congregation (TARIC) recognizes the importance of this essential support in making enhancements to further protect our congregants, visitors, and property.”
– Shaykh Imran Ally
Resident Imam of the TARIC Islamic Centre
“Thanks to the Ontario government’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, we are able to further strengthen security, ensuring a safer, and welcoming space for the community to practice their faith. This support helps us foster peace and a safer environment for our congregation and beyond.”
– Udayan Pandy
Director BAPS Inc., Canada
“The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant was a timely and necessary investment by the Government of Ontario for the security and safety of cultural communities in Ontario, including our Gurdwara. Thank you again for providing this essential funding used to protect our community.”
– Manohar Singh Bal
Secretary, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Mission Centre
“The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant has been an essential source of support in helping faith-based communities like ours create safer spaces for worship and fellowship. At the Church of Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius, we have experienced firsthand how this funding empowers us to implement critical security measures, providing our congregation with a greater sense of peace and security. We thank the Government of Ontario for its ongoing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and fostering a more safe province for all.”
– Fr. Angelos Saad
Church of Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius
Additional Resources
Related Topics
Law and Safety
Ontario’s laws and related information about our legal system, emergency services, the Ontario Provincial Police and victim services. Learn more