QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Canada Community Security Program
November 19, 2024
Leader, in recent years, dozens of Christian churches have been burned down across Canada in suspected acts of arson. Violence against synagogues has been a regular occurrence since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel last year. Earlier this month, we saw shocking acts of violence targeted against people of the Hindu faith in Brampton.
Leader, to strengthen the security of places of worship, your government announced $10 million for an expanded Security Infrastructure Program. I’ve asked this question before, but no response has been provided. Given the violence taking place, an answer is necessary, Senator Gold. How much of the money announced a year ago has been spent today — not promised but spent?
Thank you for your question and, again, for underlining the atrocious and unacceptable assaults on Canadians’ freedom of worship and freedom to congregate where they worship. This is not limited to any one faith.
This government has now for many years provided important funds to communities and to their institutions to strengthen their security. I know that in my corner of the world, in Montreal, and more parochially, if you will, within the Jewish community, they have been the recipient on many occasions of important funds. The government will continue to work with faith communities and others to make sure that the money made available is invested properly, according to the best needs of those communities, who know best what their needs are.
Earlier this year, Senator Gold, multiple synagogues in the Toronto area told the National Post they had applied for funding under this program but had been denied without any explanation provided.
Leader, how many places of worship have applied for this funding over the last year? How many have been rejected? What were the main reasons for denying the funding?
I’m not in a position to comment on those funds. As large as the sums are, the funds are not unlimited. The needs, unfortunately, are enormous. As I said, this government has continued to provide funding. This is not the first time it has. So long as the needs of our religious and faith communities are such, the government will be there to support them.
