Alberta boosts funding to prevent hate-motivated crimes

According to the province, as part of Alberta’s Budget 2022, it has increased its funding to assist faith-based organizations that are at-risk groups and potential targets of hate crimes and incidents. 

Alongside Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro, Premier Jason Kenny said that up to $2-million to $5-million will be set aside and invested annually in to the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program (ASIP). This program is intended for ethnic minority, marginalized, or underrepresented groups seeking required funds for on-site protection such as places of worship, non-profit agencies, registered charities, and other organizations. 

“While it saddens me that many religious and ethnic organizations and Indigenous groups need this protection, I am proud of this government’s commitment to helping keep them safe. Our province continues to stand against hate and violence, and alongside those targeted by these terrible crimes,” Kenny said. 

Following the violent hate crimes directed at dozens of churches last year, Alberta is more than doubling the Security Infrastructure Program to help vulnerable communities protect themselves from acts of violence and vandalism.

https://t.co/tlvBgY9Obe pic.twitter.com/bkI2BxfGpT

— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) March 13, 2022

Through the program, groups can apply for grants that cover security and technology improvements, such as security monitoring systems to help protect property from vandalism like offensive street graffiti.

The grant money was initially announced last summer after several churches were defaced by fires after the uncovering of unmarked graves at former residential schools sites across Canada.

Related Article: Calgary All Saints Russian Orthodox Church vandalized, police seek suspect

This budget more than doubles the amount of funding previously given to help protect places of worship in Alberta.

“We sincerely appreciate Alberta’s generous grant support to help implement a detailed security assessment of our facilities. This funding is critical in enhancing our security protocols and developing non-confrontational options to deal with incidents of hate and racism while we serve the most vulnerable population,” said Dr. Sally Zhao, CEO of The Immigrant Education Society president.

More details about the program will be available this Spring and Fall for those interested in applying for the grant. 

Related Articles: Calgary street harassment bylaw approved by council

Over the past few years, police have reported an increase in the number of hate-motivated crimes in the last few years. This prompted the City of Calgary to pass a bylaw for street harassment where perpetrators can be fined up to $500 for harassing people based on race, gender, sexuality, or other identifiers.