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Ontario Invests $12.75 Million to Strengthen Community Safety Through Anti-Hate Security Grants

Province expands funding to help faith-based and cultural organizations protect community spaces amid rising hate incidents

TORONTO — The Ontario government is expanding its efforts to combat hate-motivated incidents and improve safety at community gathering places, announcing an additional $12.75 million for the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP).

The investment will help faith-based, cultural and Indigenous organizations across the province pay for on-site security personnel, building upgrades, surveillance cameras and other safety measures designed to prevent hate-related incidents and protect vulnerable communities.

“Everyone in Ontario deserves to feel safe and respected in the spaces where they gather to express their culture or practice their faith,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “With our increased investment in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, our government is sending a clear message that there is no place for hate in Ontario.”



Expanding Support for Communities Most Impacted by Hate Crimes

The AHSP program is open to a wide range of organizations, including:

  • Religious and spiritual communities (mosques, synagogues, temples, churches)

  • First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous groups

  • Cultural and identity-based organizations, including 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, Black communities, Asian communities and others

Eligible organizations can apply for up to $10,000 to upgrade safety systems, improve security infrastructure or introduce new measures to strengthen protection at their premises.

Applications are now open and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.


Building on Over $98 Million in Provincial Support Since 2021

Since its introduction in 2021, the AHSP grant has provided more than $98 million to over 3,000 organizations, including childcare centres, schools, places of worship and cultural institutions. Funding has helped cover essential safety improvements at a time when communities have reported rising threats, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian hate and violence targeting 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.

Several community leaders welcomed the increased investment, emphasizing the grant’s importance in helping organizations respond to real and growing safety concerns:

  • The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs noted the program’s critical role in helping Jewish institutions manage increased security costs.

  • The National Council of Canadian Muslims called the investment an “important step” toward enhancing protection for communities that continue to face targeted violence.

  • Sikh, Hindu and Catholic leaders also highlighted the grant’s impact on keeping places of worship safe and welcoming.


Part of a Broader Strategy to Combat Hate Across Ontario

In addition to AHSP funding, the province recently allocated more than $2 million through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant, supporting 15 organizations and First Nations in developing programs to prevent hate crimes and foster community safety.

Ontario says it will continue working with community partners to address rising hate-motivated incidents and provide the tools organizations need to protect members, staff and visitors.


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Alwin Marshall-Squire

Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora. Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.

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