In recent months, the daily lives of not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations, including organizations working to support victims and survivors of any form of gender-based violence, have been particularly shaken with the COVID‑19 pandemic, which added further pressure on their already limited and valuable resources. The Government of Canada is determined to continue to support them as best as possible.
Everyone deserves to be safe and to live life free of violence. When violence does occur, it is crucial that survivors have access to timely supports and services that meet their needs.
That's why today, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Quebec Lieutenant and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced that the Government of Canada will invest $675,000 in Le Phare des Affranchi(e)s, an organization working to assist survivors of human trafficking.
Le Phare des Affranchi(e)s will create a liaison platform which will bring together multiple partners and stakeholders to promote referrals and timely supports for survivors of human trafficking, including those experiencing sexual exploitation. The platform will help bolster collaboration between the private sector, media and intervention organizations, ensuring a shared vision, as well as sustainable and innovative approaches in the work to assist survivors and prevent all forms of human trafficking.
On December 3, 2018, Minister Monsef announced more than $50 million in funding for nearly 60 projects in communities across the country, such as the one featured today. This funding will support survivors of gender-based violence and their families, including those who have been underserved, such as Indigenous women and their communities, children and youth, LGBTQ2 individuals, women from diverse cultural communities, women who are newcomers, refugees or non-status, and women living with disabilities.
Quotes
"Our government is proud to be able to support projects like the one at Le Phare des Affranchi(e)s to support survivors and their families. The gender-based violence funding envelope was developed in partnership with leaders from the women's sector, whose advice continues to inform Canada's first Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. Leaders asked for more dollars over a longer period of time to meet the ever growing demand for their services, a simplified application process, and resources to help provide supports for the most underserved and marginalized survivors of gender-based violence. Our government listened. Gender-based violence must not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with survivors, community partners, the private sector and other orders of government to end GBV in all of its forms."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
"Survivors of human trafficking and their families deserve protection and need to feel supported so they can thrive and realize their dreams and goals. To achieve this, we need sustainable and innovative approaches that are also personal and help bring all partners together. I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is helping Le Phare des Affranchi(e)s pilot a project to support survivors in the province of Quebec. This will help address gaps and provide meaningful support to survivors and their families in a timely manner."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, P.C., M.P.
Quebec Lieutenant
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
"Human trafficking is a very real issue here in Québec and, although it affects people from all walks of life, it particularly affects women and girls. To create truly survivor-driven supports, we will need a diversity of partners from multiple areas of expertise. Our platform will help shape strategic policy approaches toward human trafficking, contribute to improving existing services and promote deeper local knowledge. We thank the Government of Canada for believing in our work."
Nathalie Khlat, President of the Board of Directors and Director of Projects
Le Phare des Affranchi(e)s
Quick facts
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To date, close to 700 women's shelters and sexual assault centres have received funding thanks to $50 million in funding that was announced as part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
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To date, the Government of Canada has invested over $200 million to prevent gender-based violence, support survivors and their families, and create more responsive legal and justice systems.
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The Promising practices to support survivors and their families call for concepts is the largest amount of funding ever announced for programming to specifically support diverse groups of gender-based violence survivors and their families.
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In June 2017, Women and Gender Equality Canada (formerly Status of Women Canada) announced the first-ever federal Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence.
