Government of Canada helps Muslim Neighbour Nexus protect against hate-motivated crimes

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, on behalf of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced over $93,000 in federal funding to the Muslim Neighbour Nexus under the program. Minister Blair was joined by Iqra Khalid, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Erin Mills.

This funding will support security infrastructure measures for a new Islamic Centre the organization is building so that Mississauga’s Muslim community is free to practise their faith in safety and in peace. These security measures include the installation of a closed- circuit television system, lighting outside the facility, and fencing around the perimeter of the building.

The Muslim Neighbour Nexus has been serving over 10,000 Muslims in the Mississauga region since 2012.

In 2017, the Government of Canada doubled SIP investments by committing additional funding of $5 million over five years, for a total investment of up to $10 million until 2022. Each year, $2 million will be available to support not-for-profit organizations to make needed security improvements.

Quotes

“Acts of hate against places of worship are a jarring reminder that the inclusive and tolerant Canada we all want is now, and ever will be, a precious and delicate work-in-progress that we dare not take for granted. The Security Infrastructure Program is an important initiative to help protect all Canadians' right to be free to practise their faith and culture without fear. There is no social license for hate, not in Canada.”

— The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, on behalf of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“There is no place in our society for attacks that target groups simply because of their faith. Our government will continue to stand against discrimination. We have a collective responsibility to stand against prejudice in all its forms, and to never allow intolerance and hate to take root in our communities. The funding announced today will help provide our Muslim community here in Mississauga with an inclusive and safe place of worship.”

— Iqra Khalid, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Erin Mills

“It is unfortunate when places of worship have to be concerned about the safety of their congregants but we know all too well the dangers of Islamophobia, the lives it has already taken, and the ongoing dangers it poses. For this reason, we are so grateful that the Government of Canada has taken steps to make this grant available to us to invest in our security infrastructure, helping to keep our congregants safe.”

- Ayub Hamid, President of Muslim Neighbour Nexus

Quick facts

SIP is designed to help communities at risk of hate-motivated crime improve their security infrastructure, which will help make Canada safer for all Canadians.

Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations linked to a community at risk of being victimized by hate-motivated crime.

Approved projects may receive up to 50 per cent of total project costs, to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

Interested organizations representing places of worship, provincially and territorially recognized schools, and community centres can apply annually from December 1st to January 31st and from June 1st to July 31st through Public Safety Canada’s website.

Source of Press Release