Alberta creates new grant to boost security against potential hate crimes
Religious and ethnic and Indigenous organizations in Alberta will be able to apply for provincial grants this fall to bolster security in an effort to prevent hate crimes.
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The news comes a week after four members of a Muslim family in London, Ont. were killed by a driver while out for a walk. Police say they were targeted because of their faith.
At an announcement Friday, Premier Jason Kenney said the London attack is a reminder of how many communities feel that their day-to-day safety cannot be taken for granted.
“All Albertans must be able to live in a province where it is safe to practise their faith, to exercise their freedom of religion. Albertans must feel safe to walk in their neighbourhood and not fear for their safety because of the colour of their skin,” he said.
“This security infrastructure grant program is a concrete demonstration of Alberta’s commitment to religious freedom, to public safety and our shared opposition to the forces of hatred.”
Aumer Assaf, spokesperson for the Canadian Islamic Centre – Al Rashid Mosque called the creation of the grants “an act of love” and “absolutely necessary.”
“The reality is, the Muslim community is under attack and it’s not just the violence. It’s the sneers, it’s the looks, our women in their hijabs are visibly targeted, and it’s the small things that add up, that turn into a catastrophe,” he said.
Justice Minister Kaycee Madu said $500,000 has been earmarked for the grant this year and $1 million will be set aside in future budgets.
Full details on the application process will be released in the coming weeks, Madu said.
NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir said ethnic and religious organizations have been asking for these types of grants.
“I think it’s the fundamental job of the government to make sure that everyone can feel safe in their communities at their prayer places and in their city, so I’m pleased to see some steps taken by this government. But … this problem is way bigger than that,” he said.