Crisis hotlines are a vital lifeline for people experiencing gender-based violence, providing immediate access to information, safety planning, referrals, and emotional support.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), alongside the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Women and Gender Equality for Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John's East, announced $700,000 over 5 years in renewed federal support for Newfoundland and Labrador to strengthen crisis hotline services across the province.
This investment will help ensure that victims and survivors of gender-based violence, and their families, can continue to access timely, effective and trauma-informed support when they need it most. In those critical moments, a crisis hotline is more than a service; it can be a lifeline.
Building on Newfoundland and Labrador's existing investments in crisis hotline services, this funding strengthens federal and provincial collaboration to deliver coordinated, accessible support that reflects the unique needs of communities across the province.
Behind every call is a person seeking safety, support or guidance. Continued federal, provincial and territorial collaboration is helping to ensure these essential services remain available so that those impacted can access compassionate support when they need it most.
Today's funding is part of the Government of Canada's $31 million commitment over five years, with $6.2 million ongoing, to renew federal funding for provincial and territorial crisis hotlines across the country. It also complements the $607.4 million federal investment over four years, beginning in 2027-2028, to continue implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence through renewed bilateral agreements with provinces and territories.
