Tax Credit Program for Vulnerable Community Institution Security Costs - by Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak

Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centres have required significant additional security measures far beyond what has been historically necessary, driven by a marked and sustained rise of antisemitic incidents both here in Toronto and globally. Many other diaspora communities and ethnic and/or religious minorities are also increasingly facing similar pressures because of conflicts abroad and foreign influence campaigns, underscoring that this is a broader public safety concern. The Toronto Police Service has demonstrated a very strong commitment to protecting the Jewish community in particular at this time as well as other vulnerable communities, often at considerable strain on its own resources. However, it is neither reasonable nor sustainable for vulnerable communities to bear this additional cost for paid duty officers and private security to keep their children safe and to worship in peace and security. Public safety and security is a shared responsibility - one that must be supported through coordinated action and appropriate resources from all levels of government.

communities safe with eligibility criteria based on the existing Canada Community Security Program and the Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant Program.