More help to protect places of worship

Alberta is expanding the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program so that vulnerable organizations can be reimbursed for already made security upgrades.

Organizations targeted by hate and bias-motivated crimes can now apply to be reimbursed for certain security expenses they have paid for since June 1, 2021. This is on top of the existing grants for planned security assessments and implementation. Previously, only future expenses were eligible for a grant.

Alberta is also removing application period deadlines to make it easier for organizations to apply for help. As a result, the $5-million grant program for 2022-2023 is open all year.

The regular and cost-recovery grant streams of the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program can cover:

• up to $10,000 for professional security risk assessments conducted by certified experts
• up to $35,000 for implementing a professional security risk management plan, which includes up to

$25,000 for mitigation and countermeasures and up to $10,000 for security training

The cost-recovery grant stream also includes possible reimbursement of up to $10,000 for immediate, shortterm security response needs related to a high-risk hate or bias-motivated incident that was reported to police.

These changes increase the number of organizations that can be supported by the grant program.

Since being launched in 2021, the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program and its associated emergency grant program have provided more than $1.2 million to more than 100 organizations.

To learn more about program eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program website.