Manitoba Government News Release–The Manitoba government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is investing $22.3 million over four years to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence . The funding will enhance services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and their families and strengthen the social infrastructure in the province, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for gender equity, announced today.
“This funding will significantly contribute to our efforts to address gender-based violence in Manitoba. Through collaboration with organizations and the implementation of prevention initiatives, programs and services, we will tackle the root causes of GBV and provide support to those who need it the most,” said Squires. “By working together, we can create a province where everyone can live free from violence.”
The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence , launched in November 2022, is a comprehensive 10-year plan that aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence and provide support to victims, survivors and their families across the country. This announcement marks the first of a series of bilateral agreements between the federal government and provinces/territories to address GBV.
The funding support initiatives fall under the five pillars of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence :
- supports for survivors and their families;
- prevention;
- responsive justice system;
- implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and
- social infrastructure and enabling environment.
Additionally, funding also focuses on initiatives that support a strong foundation, including those with an emphasis on leadership, co-ordination and engagement, and data, research and knowledge mobilization.
The funding will enable the Manitoba government to collaborate with organizations throughout Manitoba including the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters and the Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba, to establish a Gender-Based Violence Continuum of Healing Support organization. This organization will focus on stabilizing the GBV sector, promoting systems change, building capacity and improving relationships with all levels of government.
In addition, the funding will support the development of a data collection strategy to inform progress on Manitoba’s Framework for Addressing Gender-Based Violence and the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Through an intersectional feminist lens and in collaboration with Indigenous partners, the strategy will identify gaps and inform data collection efforts in Manitoba.
The announcement also includes funding for engagement initiatives to understand better the experiences and needs of specific communities. This includes an engagement process focused on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, while a comprehensive public awareness campaign will be developed to raise awareness about healthy relationships, consent, and the prevention and addressing of GBV. The YMCA Winnipeg will implement the ‘Power of Being You’ program, a violence-prevention conference for young women aged 12 to 14, and The Pas Family Resource Centre will provide Indigenous cultural education for young men in northern Manitoba.
Furthermore, the funding will support operational and training initiatives to enhance support for victims, survivors, and their families. Tina’s Safe Haven, an Indigenous youth drop-in centre and safe space operated by Ndinawemaagangag Endaawaad Inc., will receive operational funding to expand its program offerings and ensure it can meet the needs of Indigenous youth. Gender-based violence shelters funded through Manitoba’s Gender-Based Violence Program will have access to additional specialized supports for children and youth who have witnessed or experienced GBV. The Red Road to Healing program, centred on Indigenous teachings and ceremonies, will be implemented within gender-based violence agencies to promote healing for women who have experienced GBV.
The funding announcement also includes support for the Toba Centre for Children and Youth, which will provide forensic nursing services and wrap-around support for children and youth who have experienced physical or sexual violence.
The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts involving federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as Indigenous partners, civil society, front-line service providers, municipalities, the private sector and researchers. Through these co-ordinated actions, the goal of a Canada free from gender-based violence can be achieved.