Women's organizations provide vital services in our communities, supporting women and girls to be financially secure, free from violence, and able to fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society. Yet for far too long they have been chronically underfunded, underestimated and undermined. The Government of Canada recognizes that women's organizations are the lifeblood of the women's movement, and that maintaining and growing their ability to do this important work is the most effective way to advance gender equality.
That's why today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in a women's organization in Gaspésie.
La maison d'aide et d'hébergement Blanche-Morin will receive $220,530 to develop strategic planning, including action and succession plans to improve its programs and services to reflect the needs of those impacted by domestic violence and gender inequalities in Pabos and the Gaspésie areas.
This organization is among the more than 250 women's organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women across Canada receiving funding under the Government of Canada's Capacity-building Fund. This investment stems from the Budget 2018 announcement of $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women's movement across the country.
Quotes
"With our historic investment, we recognize the women and women's organizations breaking through barriers and express our gratitude to those who have been doing this work for decades on little more than a shoestring budget. The women's movement across Canada has been asking for a reliable, predictable and accessible source of funds to ensure the sustainability of their work. With stable and flexible funding, we are helping women's organizations in Gaspésie grow and thrive, because we know that investing in women's organizations is the most effective way to advance gender equality. By supporting a movement that has achieved amazing results, we are growing the middle class, strengthening families and communities, and creating lasting change that benefits everyone."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
"It's crucial that the resources we make available in our community are relevant, accessible, and genuinely helpful to survivors of domestic violence. We are proud to support La maison d'aide et d'hébergement Blanche-Morin and help them re-evaluate and reconfigure the services they provide to better serve the real-life needs of people in Gaspésie."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue
Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
"Today's world is evolving at such a rapid rate - and to continue to provide survivors of domestic violence with the best supports possible, we must evolve along with it. We are eager to make the changes we need to adapt our services to address the most important issues. We are very thankful to have the opportunity provided by the Government of Canada to step back from our busy daily work and do so."
Hélène Vandette, Director
La maison d'aide et d'hébergement Blanche-Morin
Quick facts
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Budget 2018 announced $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women's movement across Canada. Adding to this historic investment, Budget 2019 invests a further $160 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, in the Department for Women and Gender Equality's Women's Program. This means that by 2023-24, the Women's Program, which supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers, will total $100 million a year.
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This funding will enable women's organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women to tackle systemic barriers impeding women's progress, while recognizing and addressing the diverse experiences of gender and inequality across the country.
