Liberals roll out more security cash, details in strategy for fighting hate

By Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press on September 29, 2024.

The Trudeau government is announcing more details on its existing strategy and funding to fight hate crimes. Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA – The Liberal government is announcing more details on its existing strategy and funding to fight hate crimes.

Diversity Minister Kamal Khera released the Action Plan on Combatting Hate this past week, which aims to co-ordinate how various departments promote diversity and prevent hate crimes.

The plan details how Ottawa aims to spend $273.6 million for various programs over the course of six years, using money the Liberals announced in this past April’s budget.

Khera says that allocation includes a $65 million top-up to a fund that helps community institutions and religious centres cover the cost of installing cameras or hiring security guards.

Speaking at a mosque in Brampton, Ont., this morning, she said Ottawa has raised the annual amount of cash institutions can apply for, such as those who feel it’s necessary to get round-the-clock security.

The action plan largely reiterates work that federal departments and agencies are already doing, with the idea of creating consultation panels that can spot gaps or barriers to implementing an existing Anti-Racism Strategy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2024.