By Troy Gillard

security grant, new community liaison

Alberta announces new measures to take on hate crimes

Jun 11, 2021 | 10:19 AM

The provincial government says the new Alberta Security Infrastructure Program will help protect targets of hate-motivated crime with funding for security upgrades.

Starting this 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.

Funding for upgrades to facility infrastructure, including security and monitoring systems, will help protect both individuals and property from vandalism and other criminal acts. The province says the program will be flexible and accessible enough to address a range of protective measures, such as security planning, education and training.

“As we tragically witnessed this week, religious and ethnic minorities in Canada remain at risk of being targeted with hate-motivated crime,” noted Premier Jason Kenney. “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.”

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The initial call for grant applications will take place this fall. A total of $500,000 will be 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.

More information on program eligibility and the application process will become available in the coming months.

Meantime, the provincial government says a new community liaison on hate crimes will connect directly with ethnic and religious groups and sexual minority communities most targeted by hate-motivated crimes.

Working with these groups, the liaison will provide government with a range of perspectives and expertise on how we can tackle hate-motivated crimes and incidents across the province.

Alberta will also set up a provincial Hate Crimes Coordination Unit to work with law enforcement to improve and harmonize hate crime mitigation efforts across the province and facilitate training opportunities, intelligence gathering and investigative supports.

“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,” said Kaycee Madu, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

“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.”

(With file from government media releases)