Ontario government launches $25 million grant program to combat hate crimes and promote inclusivity

The Ontario government’s announcement of a new grant program to combat hate incidents against religious and minority groups is a positive step towards creating safer and more inclusive communities in the province. The rise in hate crimes targeting Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish, and LGTBQ2S+ communities in recent years is deeply concerning, with over 1,500 police-reported hate crimes in Ontario in 2021 alone.

The new Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant will provide eligible organizations, including mosques, synagogues, temples, and churches, with up to $10,000 in funding over two years to enhance security measures such as building upgrades, locks, cameras, and short-term professional security personnel. This will allow them to protect their gathering spaces and individuals who frequent these places of worship, making it possible for them to practice their faith and beliefs without the fear of being targeted.

The announcement of this grant program demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of hate crimes and creating a more inclusive society. The grant builds upon previous investments made by the government to combat hate crimes and promote diversity and inclusion in Ontario. In 2021, a similar grant program was introduced, providing $40 million to 1,200 faith-based and cultural organizations in the province.

Applications for the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant will open in the summer. The government’s focus on providing funding to faith-based, Indigenous, LGTBQ2S+, and other minority groups, shows that they are committed to building stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities in Ontario. The grant program will go a long way in ensuring that no Ontarian lives in fear of being targeted because of their background, who they love, or how they worship.