Ahead of Spring Economic Statement, Jewish Community Calls For Stronger Security Support
Ottawa, ON – April 15, 2026 – Ahead of the April 28 Spring Economic Statement, Canada’s Jewish community is urging the federal government to significantly expand and streamline the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) – a vital program for communities at risk of hate-motivated attacks to enhance security measures.
In a recent letter to the Prime Minister, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and Jewish Federations across the country underscored the growing security challenges facing the community and the mounting financial burden they impose.
“Funds needed to ensure the basic safety of our community are being diverted from education, social services, childcare, and other essential programs,” the letter states. “Escalating security demands are forcing organizations to cut back services, placing increasing strain on the sustainability of Jewish life across Canada.”
The federal government’s recent $10M emergency investment to strengthen community security was a welcome and important step, with needs rising at an alarming pace. Just last month, following gunfire at Toronto synagogues, Canada’s Integrated Threat Assessment Centre warned a “violent extremist attack” against the Jewish community remains a realistic possibility.
Jewish communities estimate that annual security costs could soon reach $100 million CAD. Meanwhile, Canada’s per-capita investment in Jewish community security remains one-third that of the United Kingdom and one-quarter that of Australia.
The letter concludes with a call for urgent federal action: a substantial increase in CCSP funding, alignment with per-capita funding levels in comparable countries, and accelerated reforms to reduce administrative barriers and improve program accessibility.
“We cannot afford to wait for a mass-casualty attack before taking urgent action to safeguard Canadians.”
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Additional Background
