The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has welcomed a substantial increase in federal funding for the Canada Community Security Program, announced in the spring economic update. The funding will support security measures for Jewish communities across Canada, following recent attacks such as the shooting at Temple Emanu-El in Toronto in March.
Funding Increase Details
Ottawa has more than doubled its allocation over five years from $60 million to $135 million, according to Noah Shack, CIJA’s CEO. “This is a significant step forward in safeguarding Canada’s Jewish community,” Shack said in a statement on Tuesday.
The federal program provides funding to safeguard at-risk communities, including security upgrades, security guard funding, and emergency training supports.
Escalating Threats
Since the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, threats targeting Canadian Jewish communities have continued to escalate, Shack noted. He added that Canada’s security agencies have warned that a violent attack against the Jewish community is a realistic possibility.
“It’s essential that government programs evolve to meet this challenge head-on,” said Shack. “Today’s announcement, together with the recent $10 million in emergency funding for the Jewish community, represents Canada’s most substantial investment in community security to date. These investments are essential for the future of Jewish life in this country, helping community institutions that are increasingly forced to divert resources away from education, social services, and childcare to meet urgent security needs.”
Lobbying Efforts
National Post previously reported on CIJA’s lobbying efforts for increased funding. In an April 15 letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, CIJA estimated that annual security costs within Canadian Jewish communities would reach $100 million. The letter was endorsed by more than 80 Jewish federations, community centres, synagogues, camps, and schools.
“Rising security demands are forcing cuts and scaling back services, placing a growing strain on the future of Jewish life across the country,” the letter stated. It also referenced a Liberal party campaign promise that “increased security costs amidst rising antisemitism should not be borne by the Jewish community alone.”
International Comparison
Previously, CIJA estimated that Canada’s per capita investment in Jewish community security is one-third of the United Kingdom’s and one-quarter of Australia’s.
