Today, the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Women and Gender Equality was joined by the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, to announce $700,000 over five years, in renewed federal support for Newfoundland and Labrador to strengthen crisis hotline services throughout the province.
Crisis hotlines are a vital lifeline for people experiencing gender-based violence, providing immediate access to information, safety planning, referrals, and emotional support. Funding in Newfoundland and Labrador is being provided to End Sexual Violence NL and the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This investment builds on Newfoundland and Labrador’s existing investments in crisis hotline services and supports a coordinated approach that reflects the unique needs of communities in the province – ensuring that victims and survivors of gender-based violence, and their families, can continue to access timely, effective and trauma-informed support when they need it most.
Today’s funding announcement is part of the Government of Canada’s $31 million commitment over five years, with $6.2 million ongoing, to renew federal funding for provincial and territorial crisis hotlines across the country. It also complements the $607.4 million federal investment over four years, beginning in 2027-28, to continue implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence through renewed bilateral agreements with provinces and territories.
Quotes
“For someone facing violence, abuse, overwhelming fear or isolation, the voice on the other end of the phone can be the difference between facing a crisis alone and finding a path toward safety, hope, and healing. Investing in crisis hotlines is an investment in people, ensuring that trained professionals are available to listen without judgement, provide compassionate support, and help navigate complex and often dangerous situations. Crisis helplines also help remove barriers to accessing assistance, particularly for those living in rural, remote, and underserved communities, where other services may not be immediately available.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
“Supporting victims and survivors of gender-based violence, and their families, means making sure help is there the moment it’s needed. Across Canada, crisis hotlines are a critical connection to safety, support and trusted information. Through this investment, we are strengthening these essential services in every province and territory and supporting frontline organizations that ensure no one has to face gender-based violence alone.”
Honourable Rechie Valdez
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
“Crisis hotlines provide an essential connection to support for people experiencing gender-based violence, especially in a province where distance and geography can make accessing services more difficult. Every call answered is an opportunity to help someone find safety, information, and support. Strengthening these services means more people in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada can access compassionate support when they need it most.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Minister of Fisheries
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
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Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality
Women and Gender Equality Canada
The National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence
Results under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence
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