"This government is committed to building stronger, safer communities," said Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West. "The unfortunate reality is that Canada is not immune from violent acts that target individuals or groups based on their race, culture, religion or identity. The funding announced today will help improve security so that the London Muslim Mosque and its members can practice their faith and culture peacefully, and continue to remain engaged in our community without fear of harm."

The Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot (SIP) Program provides funding for security enhancements for not-for-profit community centres, provincially recognized educational institutions, and places of worship linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime.

Eligible costs include:

--  security assessments (not to exceed 25% of total project costs);

--  security equipment and hardware, such as alarm systems, closed-circuit
televisions, digital video recorders, fences, gates, lighting, intercom
systems;

--  minor construction costs related to the project, such as contractor
fees, labour, equipment rental, installation fees; and,

--  training costs directly related to the new security infrastructure.

The SIP Program was created in 2007 and is a $3 million, three-year pilot program administered by Public Safety Canada. The SIP Program has provided funding to 101 organizations across Canada.

For more information about the SIP Program, please visit www.publicsafety.gc.ca.