CIJA applauds more funding for community security

In the March 22, 2017 federal budget, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced an increase in funding for the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP), which will receive an additional $5 million over five years, doubling the government’s support for the program.CIJA

In recent years, CIJA has proposed a number of updates to the SIP that would improve its efficacy in addressing the evolving security challenges faced by various ethno-religious communities in Canada. This includes increasing funding, allowing institutions that cannot afford the 50/50 formula to apply for SIP grants, and enabling SIP funds to be used for a wider range of security measures.CIJA

In response, Shimon Koffler Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), issued the following statement:

“We applaud the Government of Canada for doubling its investment in the SIP, a vital program that has benefited many places of worship, schools, and community centres across the country. The security and well-being of vulnerable communities is a litmus test for the health of society as a whole. As data consistently demonstrates, including a report released this week by Toronto Police Services, the Jewish community is the most frequently targeted minority in Canada when it comes to hate crime. Today’s announcement reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the security needs of the Jewish community and other at-risk segments of Canadian society.”

Martin Sampson

 

 

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA.