Ontario Investing in Redleaf Cultural Integration
Burlington — The Ontario government has invested $170,000 over two years in Redleaf Cultural Integration through the Safer and Vital Communities (SVC) Grant. This funding will be used in partnership with Halton Regional Police Service to address local risks and help reduce crime and victimization.
“Redleaf Cultural Integration has been a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and community support here in Burlington, and this funding through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant will allow them to expand their efforts significantly,” said Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington. “With this investment, Redleaf can enhance its essential work by providing resources and building stronger partnerships with local law enforcement. Together, we empower our community to continue creating a safer, more inclusive Burlington where every resident feels valued and protected.”
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to fund local projects that are making a real difference in communities across the province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “The SVC Grant will allow police and community partners to provide more support for victims of hate crimes, stand up to hate-motivated crime and help ensure communities are safer and more inclusive.”
The SVC Grant provides funding to community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nations Chiefs and Band Councils to address local risks to safety and well-being in their communities. Funding will be used to enhance or implement protection measures against hate-motived crimes including support for public awareness, education and training, and building partnerships with police services and community agencies to improve neighbourhood safety, security and crime prevention strategies.
Over the next two years, the Ontario government is investing more than $2 million to assist 15 community-based organizations.
"The impact of this Safer and Vital Communities Grant cannot be overstated,” said Lily Hudson, Executive Director of RCI. “This grant will allow RCI to use a proactive community collaboration and cultural celebration approach to deal with rising hate-motivated crimes in the Halton Chinese Community, raise public awareness, and improve reporting of such crimes to Halton Police. Hate stems from ignorance and prejudice. The SVC grant presents a great opportunity to build cultural appreciation, mutual respect, and community harmony.”
QUICK FACTS
• Since 2004-05, the Ontario government has allocated approximately $18 million to support community organizations and First Nations Chiefs and Band Councils to implement over 450 local community safety and well-being projects. These projects have focused on a variety of issues such as youth violence, youth gangs, hate crimes, cyberbullying, poverty, substance abuse, mental health, senior safety and sexual violence.
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