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September 12, 2008
More security funding
Four local institutions receive federal help.
CYNTHIA RAMSAY
The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCCGV), Congregation Beth Tikvah, Vancouver Hebrew Academy and Temple Sholom Synagogue are the most recent beneficiaries of the federal government's Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) program.
The Hon. Stockwell Day, minister of public safety, made the announcement at the JCCGV Sept. 5.
"It's a rather sad commentary on all societies today that there are always a few people, small in percentage, but large in impact, that believe that promoting hate and violence are effective ways of getting their messages across and, in our society, in Canada, we don't tolerate this," said Day. "We have a zero tolerance approach when it comes to expressions of hate in any way, shape or form. It's because of that and because sometimes those expressions can take on a very intimidating character that we have put in place a number of initiatives to assist communities that have, at times, been on the receiving end of hateful messages and sometimes hateful actions."
One such project is the SIP program, a $3 million, two-year pilot program administered by Public Safety Canada. The program, started in 2007, helps defray the costs of security infrastructure enhancements at community centres, educational institutions and places of worship linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime.
In addition to enforcing Canada's laws, the government wants to focus on prevention, Day told those gathered at the JCCGV. He said the government wants to do everything it can to make sure that hateful events don't take place. He gave the example of a Muslim school in Montreal that was targeted by hate last year, and how the fear remained for the students, teachers and other staff after the property damage was repaired.
"This concern is shared by Canadians of all stripe, of all political persuasion and religious background," said Day. "We believe in maintaining a safe and tolerant society."
Eligible costs under the SIP program include security assessments, security equipment and hardware, minor construction costs related to the project and training costs for the use of new equipment.
"This is funding that is provided on a 50 per cent basis," explained Day. "The organization itself, whichever organization that might be, has to step up and help with 50 per cent and then the federal government comes up with the other 50 per cent. We've already announced over the last year about 38 of these projects and they've gone really well. These projects have covered people from a variety of different religions – Jewish, Muslim, Sikh – all who've been able to make the case that their particular facility may be at risk...."
Day concluded, "It's very important that we are doing this and very important that we are sending a message of support in a tangible way, on behalf of not just the government of Canada but also the people of Canada."
Up to $111,231 will be provided to the four Jewish community organizations to help with security improvement costs: the JCCGV will receive $66,219, Beth Tikvah $26,605, Hebrew Academy $10,000 and Temple Sholom $8,407.
At the funding announcement, JCCGV executive director Rick Nelson thanked the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver (JFGV), which, during the past year, helped local institutions prepare applications for funding under the federal program.
"This welcome news complements continued progress with our own local Federation-funded security initiative," said JFGV executive director Mark Gurvis in his weekly e-mail to Jewish community members. "Fifteen local Jewish facilities have already undergone security audits by a professional consultant facilitated by Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region, and our security grants committee has already made its initial round of grant awards.
"On the one hand, it is tragic that we have to devote resources to this kind of priority," he wrote. "On the other, the world is what it is today, and both we and our government are working to ensure that our community institutions are safer places."
In his e-mail, Gurvis highlighted the work of JFGV associate director for community affairs Shelley Rivkin, as well as that of the Canadian Council for Jewish Advocacy, Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) and the staff of the four local Jewish institutions that received grants.
In a press release, CJC commended the federal government security funding for at-risk communities. It noted that approximately $650,000 has been allocated to Jewish community institutions across Canada through SIP.
"This is a very good beginning, but there is still much work to be done," said CJC chief executive officer Bernie M. Farber in the release. "Now that the SIP program has clearly defined the need to support security infrastructure in at-risk communities, we look forward to continuing our partnership with the government to develop a better financed fund that will address long-term needs in this area and recognize retroactive investments made in these communities."
B'nai Brith Canada also applauded the federal decision. "This funding assistance by the government represents an important recognition of the growing security needs faced by communities at-risk, notably our own Jewish community," said Frank Dimant, B'nai Brith Canada's executive vice-president. "Ongoing acts of anti-Semitism and ever-present security threats remind us of the vulnerability of our community." On behalf of B'nai Brith Canada, Dimant urged "all elected officials and candidates to make funding to at-risk communities a key issue on the national agenda in the upcoming election."
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