Ontario Increasing Funding to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia
December 14, 2023Increased Anti-Hate grant will help keep Muslim and Jewish communities safe
NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing an additional $20.5 million this year to help address the rise of hate incidents against religious and minority groups, particularly amid the recent spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. The new funding, prioritizing Jewish and Muslim communities, will expand the province’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, helping faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure. The application portal opens today.
“Acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate have no place in our community,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “We stand firm in our support of our Muslim and Jewish communities and will continue to work with them, and all faith-based and cultural groups, to ensure their safety.”
The funding will provide community facilities, including synagogues, mosques, community hubs, and Jewish and Muslim schools and childcare centres, with up to $20,000 to help better protect their spaces from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism or other damage. Grant funding can be used for measures such as hiring security staff, surveillance cameras, security assessments, cybersecurity and building repairs.
This $20.5 million investmentbuilds on the $12.5 million provided to over 1,400 faith-based and cultural organizations through the first round of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant. Previous recipients of the grant are eligible for a top-up payment.
Quick Facts
- Since 2021, the government has allocated a total of $86 million in grants and programs to protect faith and cultural communities.
- All faith-based, cultural, 2SLGBTQQIA+, First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations who need support and meet the criteria are eligible to receive funding; however, priority will be given to those that primarily serve Jewish and Muslim communities.
- Based on 2021 StatsCan Police Reported Hate Crime data, Jewish and Muslim communities are among those most targeted.
Additional Resources
Ontario Strengthening Supports to Combat Hate and Create Safer Communities