Crisis hotlines are a lifeline to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and are critical support services.
Today, Jenna Sudds, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and the Honourable Natalie Jameson, Prince Edward Island's Minister responsible for the Status of Women, announced $500,000 to support crisis hotlines across Prince Edward Island.
This funding will help PEI crisis hotlines serve the urgent needs of Canadians. The crisis hotlines will offer more robust services, resources, and support to prevent the escalation of gender-based violence.
This announcement marks one of the bilateral agreements recently signed with provincial and territorial governments. Over the next few months, the Government of Canada will continue to work with other provinces and territories to finalize similar bilateral agreements. It also builds upon the Government of Canada's commitment to providing approximately $300 million in emergency COVID-19 funding to support individuals experiencing gender-based violence.
Since April 2020, the Government of Canada invested over $250 million of emergency COVID-19 funding in 1,400 women's shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations, including almost 140 organizations that serve Indigenous individuals.
