The Honourable Marci Ien, federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, was joined by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, to announce $700,000 in funding to support crisis hotlines in Newfoundland and Labrador. Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence, and are critical support services.
This funding will help Newfoundland and Labrador crisis hotlines offer more robust services, resources and supports to serve the urgent needs of those experiencing sexual and gender-based violence.
This announcement marks the 11th bilateral agreement recently signed between Canada and the provincial and territorial governments to support crisis hotlines. Since August 2022, the Government of Canada has announced agreements in Manitoba, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Northwest Territories. The Government of Canada continues to work with other provinces and territories to finalize similar agreements.
This announcement is part of the $30 million investment over five years by the Government of Canada, from Budget 2021, to support crisis hotlines in the country. It also builds on the historic launch of the November 2022 National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, accompanied by a federal investment of $539.3 million over five years to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan.
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Quotes
“Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for women fleeing domestic violence because they serve as a connection to safe resources. Today, we are proud to provide the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with the support they need, as we sign yet another agreement to support crisis hotlines. We will continue working closely with provincial and territorial governments to prevent and address gender-based violence – a pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violation.”
Honourable Marci Ien
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Government of Canada
“It is essential that people experiencing sexual and gender based violence are able to access supports during times of crises. As we continue to work with our provincial partners and federal colleagues to prevent violence in Newfoundland and Labrador, this funding will help to enhance crisis support services and ensure that people in all regions of the province are able to access timely, responsible, and trauma-informed supports.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Crisis hotlines provide critical support services, and can often be a lifeline to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Having a number to call to get immediate, emergency counselling, and connecting people with the resources they need as quickly as possible, can make a positive difference in the lives of those reaching out for help. The funding announced today will go a long way towards improving the services already in place in our province.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
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Learn more
Women and Gender Equality Canada
Supporting Crisis Hotlines Across Canada
Crisis lines for those affected by gender-based violence
National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality
Office of Women and Gender Equality
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