Ottawa just overhauled its grant program for security upgrades. Some Jewish leaders call it a ‘game-changer’

The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner

Just before Canadian Jews gather to observe the New Year on Wednesday, the federal government has announced some long-requested changes to a program that has helped nearly 500 synagogues, schools and community centres pay for panic buttons, security cameras, fencing and other vital safety equipment to date. Until now, Jewish leaders have long complained that Public Safety Canada’s Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) had too much red tape and hasn’t covered nearly enough of the financial burden for keeping Jews safe to worship, study and play–especially in the face of rising antisemitism. The new program–now called Canada Community Security Program–may also have more money to hand out, although how much is unclear. Ottawa said $65 million. and $16 million this year. Most importantly, Ottawa says it will now pay 70 percent of the costs to install security equipment, up from 50 per cent. And the same goes for hiring temporary security guards from Sept. 24, 2024, until after the High Holidays have ended. Daycare centres, cemeteries and Jewish offices are now also eligible to apply. Ottawa will also raise the cap to fund big reno projects from $100,000 to $1.5 million. On today’s episode of The CJN Daily, we find out why some Jewish leaders are already calling the government announcement a “game-changer.” We speak with Jason Murray, head of the security advisory committee for Vancouver’s Jewish federation; Gary Gladstone, a consultant to many Jewish groups applying for these grants; and Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, Canada’s special advisor to the Prime Minister on antisemitism, who has been advocating for these changes.

What we talked about

• When Montreal’s Jewish Community Council asked Ottawa to fix the SIP program after school shootings post-Oct. 7, in The CJN.
• Read the federal government’s announcement on Sept 24, 2024 outlining changes to the Security Infrastructure Program, now called the Canada Community Security Program.
• After Vancouver’s Schara Tzedeck synagogue was lit aflame, the congregation left the burned front doors unfixed for a long time. Here’s why on The CJN Daily.

Credits

• Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner)
• Production team: Zachary Kauffman (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer)
• Music: Dov Beck-Levine

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