Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, but gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time that affects people of all backgrounds, genders, and ages.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, joined by the Honourable Margaret Nakashuk, Nunavut's Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and the Honourable John Main, Nunavut's Minister of Health, made a historic announcement of up to $17 million to help the victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
The Government of Canada will be investing up to $16.4 million over four years to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in Nunavut. This investment will support the Government of Nunavut to create and enhance programs and supports for survivors of gender-based violence and their families. It will also increase knowledge and awareness amongst frontline service providers, women and girls, men and boys, and children and youth. This will be accomplished through awareness campaigns, workshops and knowledge sharing aimed at understanding the root causes, warning signs, and impacts of gender-based violence and ways to prevent it.
The Government of Canada will be also investing $500,000 to support crisis hotlines in Nunavut to offer more robust services, resources, and supports to serve the urgent needs of those experiencing gender-based violence and their families. This announcement marks the last of 13 agreements with provincial and territorial governments to support crisis lines across the country.
Coordinated and collaborative actions from federal, provincial, and territorial governments are essential in effectively preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Provincial and territorial governments will continue working in partnership with Indigenous partners, survivors, civil society organizations, front-line service providers, municipalities, the private sector and researchers to implement the National Action Plan within their jurisdictions.
