Ottawa giving ‘much needed’ money for ‘women and their families fleeing violence’

By Terry Davidson

Law360 Canada (July 21, 2020, 10:53 AM EDT) -- As part of a multimillion-dollar COVID-19 aid package for organizations that help women fleeing violence, Canada’s government is giving the last fifth to “other” groups providing crucial front-line services to those running from abuse.

According to a July 20 government of Canada news release, the last $10 million of $50 million in aid for “support organizations providing services to women and their families fleeing violence” is now “being distributed to other organizations that provide important services to those experiencing gender-based violence.”

“This funding began to flow in June as part of the second phase of the government’s collaborative response to increased demands from front-line organizations working to heal and support women and children fleeing abuse,” states the release.    

“Through both phases of this funding, the federal government is supporting nearly 1,000 organizations across the country. The government is grateful to our partners, the Canadian Women’s Foundation and Women’s Shelters Canada, for swiftly distributing these much needed funds.”

To date, “more than 200 of these organizations have received funding and an additional 145 eligible organizations are expected to receive their funding in the near term.”

Maryam Monsef, minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

Of the $50 million, $10 million had been given to emergency shelters for Indigenous women and children, and $40 million has gone to Women and Gender Equality Canada — $30 million of which has been given to nearly 700 shelters and organizations that help sex assault survivors.

According to a separate information page, to which a link is provided in the release, the remaining $10 million of that is now being given to those helping “specific communities” and providing services such as emergency helplines, crisis centres, counselling, crisis intervention and drop-in options.  

"Gender-based violence remains an unacceptable reality in Canada, one that has been exacerbated by COVID-19,” said Maryam Monsef, minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. “That’s why our government moved swiftly to ensure that nearly 1,000 organizations providing services to women and children fleeing violence could access the support they needed to keep their doors open. I am deeply grateful to those working tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable as they navigate this challenging time. As we move into the next phase of this crisis, our government will continue to focus on helping those who need it most, including ensuring that women and others hit hardest are at the centre of our recovery.”

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