Welcome

The Citizen Protection Project is a concept developed for the City of Hamilton and the first of its kind in Canada. It is a community-based response to hate crimes and bias, developed jointly by United Nations Association in Canada and the Hamilton Culture of Peace Network and sanctioned by the Hamilton City Council in October of 2001.

Recently, the Citizen Protection Project adopted the following vision:

"Building together a civil culture of safety, peace and empowerment."

You can also view a video of the CPP.

Although the project has several components, its first stage is the development of “Safe Havens” for people who are being harassed or intimidated because of race, culture or religion. The concept of “Safe Haven” was the creative inspiration of Carolann Fernandes, an Indo-Canadian retired teacher, a 30-year resident of Canada who experienced racial harassment herself. The concept is based on a combination of Block Parent, Neighbourhood Watch and some creative new approaches.

Funding for the Citizen Protection Project is generously provided by the
National Crime Strategy, Community Mobilization Program
and the Department of Canadian Heritage Multiculturalism & Aboriginal Programs