Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis discussing safety at Islamic and Jewish faith-based schools on Thursday, December 7, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta / YourAlberta on YouTube)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta

Funding announced to boost security for at-risk schools in Alberta

Dec 8, 2023 | 5:04 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced increased funding to improve safety at Islamic and Jewish faith-based schools.

The Alberta Security Infrastructure Program (ASIP) grant is being expanded to include Jewish and Islamic faith-based schools for up to 12 months. Eligible schools that have identified the need for short-term physical security on campus will have the option to apply for up to $20,000 in funding.

The Alberta Sheriffs will also be available upon request when asked by local police services to support law enforcement in monitoring religious and cultural infrastructure like synagogues, mosques, eligible schools and community centres to deter hate-motivated vandalism and harassment.

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis said, “It has become clear that demand exists. In recent months, schools and parents have approached the government, expressing concerns about school security and options for responding to the needs.”

“We’re taking proactive steps that will help keep students and worshippers safe.”

Currently, ASIP funding supports non-profits, eligible charities and places of worship. The new temporary funding for Islamic and Jewish faith-based schools will help in covering costs associated with security assessments and enhancements.

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice said, “The rise in hate-motivated violence has no place in Alberta. We are taking action to protect Albertans from this violence, with a particular emphasis on protecting our children in faith-based schools.”

“Let me be perfectly clear – people from all faiths are welcome in Alberta and the fundamental right to peaceful protest belongs to all Canadians.”

The ASIP grant was introduced in 2021.

READ MORE: Province announces program to protect targets of hate-motivated crimes

In 2022-23, the provincial government increased funding to a total of $5 million annually. To date, ASIP has distributed 231 individual grants worth more than $2.4 million.

READ MORE: Province providing funding to protect places of worship

The temporary expansion of the ASIP has two types of grant application. These are:

• The cost recovery grant (a reimbursement of expenses incurred after October 7, 2023)
• The regular grant for security assessment, infrastructure and equipment purchases, and related training

Additionally, there are three categories for funding. Eligible applicants can apply online for funding or cost reimbursement under one or more of these categories, depending on the security needs that they identify.