St. John's mosque gets $46K in federal funds for security against hate crimes

The Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANAL) is receiving federal funding for a new security program meant to protect the St. John's mosque against hate crimes.

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The more than $46,000 was announced by the Department of Public Safety and EmergencyPreparedness following a morning Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) service at the Sheraton Hotel on Friday.

The funding will help pay for the installation of entrance and exit gates and posts, fencing, enhancement to windows, and security systems.

"Through this funding, the Muslim Association ofNewfoundlandandLabradorwill enhance security at their mosque inNewfoundlandand Labrador," MP Nick Whalen said in a statement."This will make the community safer and bring greater peace of mind."

The Canadian government will spend$10 million over the next five years through a Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP), designed to help groups who could be the target of hate crimes.