NCCM Welcomes Changes to Security Infrastructure Program

Broadening of SIP funding an important step in making Canadians safer in places of worship

(Ottawa – May 16, 2019) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness this morning regarding the expansion of the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP).

“The changes, which allow for dedicated funding to train staff around emergency preparedness, as well as expanding the scope of security enhancements, is welcome and an important step in making Canadians safer,” says Mustafa Farooq, NCCM Executive Director.

“Today’s announcement assures communities that there are resources available to make them feel safe, which unfortunately has become necessary in light of recent attacks on synagogues, temples, and mosques across Canada”.

Since the events of the Quebec City Mosque shooting, and more recently since attacks at Christchurch and San Diego, many Canadian Muslims have felt at edge when going to pray at their local mosque.

Many Canadians felt that the SIP, while an important program, did not go far enough in ensuring the protection of Canadians of all faith communities when they went to worship. That is why NCCM has been advocating for changes to SIP for many months.

“No one should feel afraid for being who they are. Today’s announcement provides further infrastructure to make Canadian feel safer when they go to pray, worship or meditate. With recent hate crime data revealing the alarming rise in hate-motivated crimes including vandalism, arson and assault at places of worship, the expansion of this program is timely,” added Farooq.

The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization that is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.

NCCM representatives are available for comment.

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