ONTARIO BUILDING STRONGER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES IN MISSISSAUGA

Deadline to apply for $10,000 anti-hate security measures grant is August 31

MISSISSAUGA – The Ontario government is providing grants of up to $10,000 through the Ontario Grant to Support Anti-Hate Security Measures for Faith-Based and Cultural Organizations to protect communities against hate motivated crimes and build a more inclusive province where people can continue to safely gather.

Eligible faith-based and cultural organizations in Mississauga can use funds to cover expenses to implement additional security and safety measures such as security equipment and building enhancements (e.g. graffiti removal, motion detectors, CCTV cameras), security assessments and specialized staff training. The application deadline is August 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

“Faith-based and cultural organizations are the cornerstones of our community,” said Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore. “This grant recognizes the extraordinary work undertaken by these groups to lift us up in tough times while providing them with the tools they need to continue providing a safe place for people to practice their faith or connect with their communities.”

Eligible organizations include registered charities and not-for-profit corporations that host, as a primary activity, regular gatherings of religious, spiritual or cultural significance at least once a month, and that rent, lease or own an indoor facility in Ontario that is used for these gatherings. This includes religious and spiritual communities (e.g., churches, synagogues, temples, mosques etc.), Indigenous organizations, cultural groups with a ceremonial component and non-ceremonial cultural groups, including 2SLGBTQ+ organizations.

“Ontario is home to many vibrant and diverse communities, and our government has zero tolerance for hate, racism or discrimination in any form – including towards our faith and cultural communities,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “With this grant, we are building a safer, more inclusive and equitable Ontario and ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome in our province.”

Quick Facts

• 1,164 hate crimes were reported in Ontario during 2020 (Statistics Canada, 2022)
• Certain organizations are ineligible, including sports organizations, teams or clubs, and organizations with a primary mandate related to education, health care, housing or social services.
• The Ontario government is investing $15 million as part of the Ontario Grant to Support Anti-Hate Security Measures for Faith-Based and Cultural Organizations.
• Ontario launched the Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant in collaboration with community partners to fund local projects that increase public education and awareness on the impact of racism and hate.

Contact

Office of Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP
Mississauga-Lakeshore
(905) 274-8228