Ontario Investing $12.75 Million to Combat Hate Crimes and Protect Communities

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Quick Facts
3. Quotes
4. Additional Resources
5. Media Contacts

TORONTO - The Ontario government is taking action to combat hate and protect communities by investing $12.75 million through the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP) program. The grant is focused on helping faith-based and cultural organizations implement safety measures, including security guards, building upgrades and surveillance cameras to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure.

"Everyone in Ontario deserves to feel safe when gathering to practice their faith, celebrate their culture and connect with their community," said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. "Through the expanded Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant program, our government is strengthening support for organizations facing threats of hate while investing in prevention and education to help protect the people and communities they serve."

The AHSP provides up to $10,000 to community organizations to strengthen security and protect their spaces from hate-related incidents. This year, the program has been expanded to include two funding streams designed to address immediate safety needs while tackling the root causes of hate.

The Security and Infrastructure stream will continue to support security improvements, including physical upgrades, cybersecurity, training and short-term security measures.

The new Special Projects stream will support community-led initiatives focused on preventing hate, promoting education and raising awareness, while helping organizations better prepare for and respond to hate-related incidents.

Eligible organizations include:

• religious and spiritual organizations and communities (e.g., mosques, synagogues, temples and churches)
• First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Urban Indigenous organizations and communities
• community-serving organizations (e.g., faith-based and cultural schools, childcare providers, social service organizations)

A complete list can be found at Ontario.ca/AHSP.

Since 2021, the government has invested over $110 million to support over 6,900 faith-based and cultural communities and organizations. Applications for the AHSP grant are now open, and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply at Ontario.ca/AHSP.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"We are pleased to see the government continue to support communities through a new round of funding from the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. At a time of sustained hatred towards Ontario's Jewish community, this grant will continue to provide important security support, including funding for CCTV, security equipment and security guards, ensuring synagogues, schools and daycares can focus on programming."

- Josh Landau
Senior Director, Government Relations (Ontario), Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

"The Government of Ontario's Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant has been an important resource for improving security in Muslim communities that too often face violent incidents. Proactive preventative measures are what we have been advocating for and we welcome the new round of this grant that brings increased focus on prevention. Such grants not only empower communities to plan for security needs but also take measures that help prevent violent hate incidents."

- Rizwan Mohammad
National Council of Canadian Muslims

"We sincerely thank the Ontario Government for its support through the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. This critical investment enabled us to upgrade our doors and enhance the safety and security of our congregation, particularly during the busiest times of the year."

- Surinder Sharma Shastri
President, Hindu Heritage Centre

"The Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant has provided vital funding for essential security upgrades at Gurdwaras across Ontario. We thank the Government of Ontario for its continued commitment to supporting the safety and security of our community."

- Lakhvinder Singh Dhaliwal
Ontario Gurdwaras Committee

"Through this provincial grant, the Welland Be In Christ Church was able to upgrade security and safety measures, providing peace of mind for vulnerable congregants and visitors in a rural location. We are very thankful that this funding supported the installation of video cameras to provide a watchful eye and a cell phone reception booster so help is just a phone call away."

- Jacqui Eisen
Building Committee Chair of the Welland Be In Christ Church

Additional Resources