The federal government is building a safer Canada for all Canadians. By engaging men and boys to help prevent gender-based violence, we are helping create safer communities, workplaces, and families.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced close to $2 million in new funding for 18 organizations across Canada that are delivering initiatives to engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence. This builds on a previous investment of over $14.3 million by the Government of Canada for these projects.
Across the country, these initiatives are supporting men and boys with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build healthy, respectful relationships and make positive choices in their lives. They are helping create safer communities and workplaces by promoting consent, healthy relationships, and positive masculinity. This work also helps foster safer families by preventing violence before it happens.
As part of today's announcement, Minister Valdez highlighted new funding of $95,674 for Interval House of Hamilton to help prevent gender-based violence in male-dominated skilled trades workplaces across Ontario. With a total investment of $610,268, this project has already provided training to 970 participants across 56 workplaces to help build safer, more respectful work environments. More people in the skilled trades will help build the homes and major energy and infrastructure projects communities rely on. This work is helping more women enter, stay, and succeed in those careers.
Preventing gender-based violence requires long-term action and collective leadership. By supporting community organizations and working with partners across the country, the federal government is helping address the root causes of violence, strengthen supports for victims and survivors, and build safer communities for everyone.
This work is part of the federal government's broader action to end gender-based violence, including a Budget 2025 commitment of $223.4 million over five years, with $44.7 million ongoing. When Canadians are safe at home, at work, and in their communities, they are able to fully participate and contribute to building a stronger Canadian economy.
Project details are available in the backgrounder.
