Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta

Province announces more help to protect places of worship

May 11, 2022 | 5:18 PM

The provincial government says it is expanding the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program so that vulnerable organizations can be reimbursed for already made security upgrades.

Government officials say organizations targeted by hate and bias-motivated crimes can now apply to be reimbursed for certain security expenses they have paid for since June 1, 2021. This is on top of the existing grants for planned security assessments and implementation. Previously, only future expenses were eligible for a grant.

Alberta is also removing application period deadlines to make it easier for organizations to apply for help. As a result, the $5-million grant program for 2022-2023 is open all year.

“With these updates to an already popular program, I am thrilled that we will be able to offer support to more organizations targeted by violence and vandalism, even if they were not able to apply for support before now. This program makes a real difference for targeted faith communities and others who need help,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

“I am pleased that Alberta’s government is taking this step to further protect cultural communities from hate crimes. These grants add additional security for our important cultural buildings and agencies. Responding to our ethnocultural groups’ requests and allowing this flexibility is a critical step to ensure a diverse and inclusive Alberta,” added Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

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“Vandalism at our cathedral has been a concern for many years and has escalated to a new level because of world events. We want to be a pillar of our community that is safe and welcoming to all but instances of aggression and hate can prevent that. Our parish is grateful for the support we have received to make helpful security upgrades, and we encourage other organizations facing hate and bias to look into the grant program,” shared Rev. Peter Babej, St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral.

The regular and cost-recovery grant streams of the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program can cover:

• up to $10,000 for professional security risk assessments conducted by certified experts
• up to $35,000 for implementing a professional security risk management plan, which includes up to $25,000 for mitigation and countermeasures and up to $10,000 for security training

The cost-recovery grant stream also includes possible reimbursement of up to $10,000 for immediate, short-term security response needs related to a high-risk hate or bias-motivated incident that was reported to police.

According to government officials, these changes increase the number of organizations that can be supported by the grant program.

Since being launched in 2021, the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program and its associated emergency grant program have provided more than $1.2 million to more than 100 organizations.

To learn more about program eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program website.