Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says Ottawa is providing $216,000 to nine Jewish organizations in Ontario and Alberta to improve security and deter hate crimes.

Organizations had to show they were linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crimes to be eligible for the program.

�Last July, I announced $3 million in funding for the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot Program,� said Minister Day. �This announcement demonstrates our government�s leadership in protecting the right of all Canadians to live in a society where every citizen will feel safe in their community.�

�We are fortunate as a country to enjoy peace and stability and embrace the many cultures of the world,� said the Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity). �This pilot program strives to preserve the values and freedoms of all Canadians and will help to ensure a greater sense of security to ethnic and religious communities.�

The SIP Program is a two-year pilot program intended to help defray the costs of security infrastructure enhancements including:

Security assessments (not to exceed 25% of total project costs) ;
Security equipment and hardware, such as alarm systems, closed-circuit televisions, fences, gates, lighting, intercom systems;
Minor construction costs related to the project, such as contractor fees, labour, equipment rental, installation fees; and
Training costs for the use of new security equipment.

Funding is still available and another intake of applications is set for April 15, 2008.

Eligible organizations include not-for-profit community centres, provincially recognized educational institutions, and places of worship that are clearly linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime.

Officials from Public Safety Canada are available to provide information to interested organizations and continue to encourage potential applicants to submit their proposals.