The federal government has announced a renewed investment of $607.4 million over four years in Canada’s National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence. The plan, which was created in 2022 but set to run out of funding in 2027, will receive continued support to ensure that essential services for victims and survivors of gender-based violence remain available. Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez made the announcement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting people experiencing violent situations with timely, trauma-informed support where they live, including in rural, remote communities and regions of the country.
The investment comes as ministers of gender equality from across the country have been participating in the 44th Annual Federal-Provincial-Territorial meetings in Moncton, New Brunswick. The ministers have been discussing a wide range of issues, including the impact of artificial intelligence in female-dominated industries and domestic violence prevention. The meetings have provided an opportunity for federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to collaborate on strategies to address gender-based violence and support survivors. The renewed funding for the National Action Plan is a key outcome of these discussions.
In Halifax, Minister Valdez also announced $1.4 million in funding for six organizations across the country in an effort to combat human trafficking and support survivors. The funding is intended to help front-line organizations provide essential services to victims of human trafficking, including shelter, counselling, and other forms of support. The announcement reflects the government’s recognition that human trafficking is a serious issue that requires a coordinated response from all levels of government and community organizations. The funding will support organizations that work directly with survivors, helping them rebuild their lives and escape the cycle of exploitation.
