Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks at a press conference before signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor)
The Manitoba government is launching a $1-million security fund to help community organizations protect themselves from hate-motivated incidents, including vandalism, intimidation, and threats.
Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced the new program on Monday, which will provide funding to eligible groups such as cultural organizations and places of worship to improve safety and security. The fund will support projects including security cameras, lighting, alarm systems, controlled entry measures, safety training, and repairs to property damaged by hate-related incidents.
The government says the initiative comes amid rising incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate across Canada.
Officials made the announcement at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, which was the target of swastika-painted graffiti earlier this month at its Wellington Crescent location. Oliver Didtger Ederhof, 34, is facing multiple charges related to that incident and others.
To oversee the program, Manitoba will establish a security review team chaired by former Winnipeg police officer and security professional Dave Dalal. The team will assess applications, conduct or oversee security reviews, and recommend projects that offer the greatest impact on community safety.
The province says application details and timelines will be released in the coming weeks. Organizations can contact the program by email at SecurityEnhancementFund@gov.mb.ca for more information.
