Photo: Government of Alberta / Flickr

By Justin Goulet

SECURITY GRANT, NEW COMMUNITY LIAISON

Province announces program to protect targets of hate-motivated crimes

Jun 11, 2021 | 12:27 PM

The Government of Alberta is taking action to address hate crimes and discrimination.

At the Al Rashid Mosque in Edmonton on Friday morning, Premier Jason Kenney announced the new Alberta Security Infrastructure Program, which aims to help protect targets of hate-motivated crimes with funding for security upgrades.

Beginning in the fall, religious and ethnic organizations and Indigenous groups that are at-risk of being targeted by hate-inspired violence or vandalism will be able to apply for grants for security and technology improvements.

The province notes that funding for upgrades to facility infrastructure, including security and monitoring systems, will help protect both individuals and their property from vandalism and other criminal activities. The program will be flexible to help recipients implement security planning measures, education and training.

The announcement from the Government of Alberta comes on the heels of a vehicle attack in London, Ontario, that resulted in the deaths of four members of a Muslim family, as well as injuries to a nine-year-old boy. Officials say the attack was targeted due to the faith of the family.

Premier Kenney said that, “as we tragically witnesses this week, religious and ethnic minorities in Canada remain at risk of being targeted with hate-motivated crime.”

“These cowardly acts of bigotry have no place in our province. Alberta’s government stands shoulder to shoulder with these communities and is proud to deliver on our election commitment to help keep them safe.”

The initial call for grant applications will take place this fall. In total, there will be $500,000 made available, with applicants eligible for up to $10,000 to assist with training and security assessments, as well as up to $90,000 for security infrastructure.

Justice Minister and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu said, “complex problems such as hate crimes and racism place an incredible burden on vulnerable Albertans.”

“The Alberta Security Infrastructure Program will empower these Albertans and their communities by providing additional layers of protection for those in need. Empowered communities are safe communities.”

More details on program eligibility and the application process will be made available in the coming months.

HATE CRIMES COORDINATION UNIT

A new community liaison on hate crimes will work directly with ethnic and religious groups and sexual minority communities most targeted by hate-motivated crimes. Working alongside these groups, the liaison will provide government officials with a range of perspectives and expertise on how hate-motivated crimes and incidents can be tackled across the province.

The government has also announced that it will be setting up a Hate Crimes Coordination Unit.

The group will work with law enforcement to improve and harmonize hate crime mitigation efforts across Alberta, as well as facilitate training opportunities, intelligence gathering and investigative supports. This includes boosting the approach to successfully prosecuting individuals charged with hate-motivated crimes.

Minister Madu stated that, “hate-motivated crimes and racism are unacceptable – full stop. We’re taking action to help support and empower the communities and groups most affected by this deplorable behaviour.”

“In light of the recent attacks on Canadians simply because of their chosen faith, I hope the new community liaison and Hate Crimes Coordination Unit show Albertans our province is fully committed to protecting those being targeted.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Leela Sharon Aheer said, “from Black Muslim women in Edmonton and Calgary attacked for wearing hijabs to the recent rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Asian hate, these incidents have had a significant impact on Albertans from diverse backgrounds.”

“The new community liaison and Hate Crimes Coordination Unit is a critical step in addressing racism in our province and is the result of strong government leadership and community advocacy.”

Both the liaison position and coordination unit are in the early stages of being developed. The province will provide more details on both initiatives in the coming weeks.