Torronto, Canada, 17 December, 2011

To help defeat hate crime, Canada has started funding different vulnerable communities. Under this programme, the federal government funded $ 50,000 to BAPS Swaminarayan . According to V.J.Patel of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, the fund received helped for works like fencing and other security needs.

“Money from the program helped us to fix some security issues,” Patel said.

“The program has worked well for us,” he further added.

Communities are eligible for up to $100,000 in federal funding to help secure or protect their halls or places of prayer from vandalism, graffiti and other forms of hate crime.

“This program will continue to help reduce hate crime and make our streets and communities safer,” Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said.

“It will help ensure community members can practice their faith, culture and activities peacefully without fear of harm,” he added.

He said a Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot Program provides funding for security enhancements for not-for-profit community centres, schools and places of worship linked to a community that has been victimized by hate-motivated crime.

“The government is calling for proposals from faith groups to enhance their security to protect from hate crimes,” Toews said in Toronto. “Canadians should not be fearful when they worship.”

He said there were more than 1,400 hate crimes reported in 2009 and that was an increase over 2008. The funding can help with minor enhancements like the addition of alarm and security systems, video recorders, fences, gates or lighting.

🗃️ This story is from our archives and may contain outdated information.