Federal Government announces $50M to support people experiencing gender-based violence

$100 million in funding is available for organizations supporting people experiencing gender-based violence

The COVID‑19 pandemic has highlighted gaps in the very systems designed to keep people safe. It has created unprecedented challenges for those experiencing gender-based violence and the organizations that provide supports and services to them.

Women’s safety must be the foundation on which all progress is built. That’s why, in the recent Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to accelerate investments in shelters and transition housing to ensure anyone facing gender-based violence has a safe place to turn.

Today, Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced up to $50 million in funding to support organizations providing supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence.

This funding announced today includes:

• Up to $10 million for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help them continue to provide their critical services safely;
• Up to $10 million to support organizations providing services related to gender-based violence to Indigenous people off-reserve; and
• Up to $30 million for other women’s organizations to support the delivery of GBV supports, to help combat the spread of COVID, and to address the increased demand for services.

Today’s announcement builds on previous emergency funding provided to women’s shelters, sexual assault centres and other organizations providing gender-based violence services to ensure continuity of services at this challenging time.

This brings the total COVID-19 emergency funding provided to GBV organizations to $100 million. Through the first $50 million, more than 32 projects across Manitoba received much-needed funding that helped ensure they could keep their doors open to those in need.

While moving swiftly to address immediate needs, the Federal Government, in partnership with the Government of Manitoba, is also moving forward on a National Action Plan on gender-based violence. This work is focused on ensuring that people who experience gender-based violence have access to timely supports no matter where they live while also laying the foundation to eradicating this unacceptable violence altogether.     

This fiscal year Women and Gender Equality Canada will make available over $100 million available to these organizations to ensure they can continue their important work, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

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