Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence and are critical support services. During the pandemic, the demand for crisis hotline services significantly increased across Canada and this demand continues today.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, was joined by the Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women for the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services for the Northwest Territories, and the Honourable Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, to announce $500,000 to support crisis hotlines in Northwest Territories until March 31, 2026.
This funding will help the Northwest Territories crisis hotlines offer more robust services, resources, and supports to serve the urgent needs of those experiencing gender-based violence.
This announcement marks the 10th bilateral agreement recently signed with provincial and territorial governments to support crisis lines. Since August 2022, the Government of Canada has announced agreements in Manitoba, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The Government of Canada continues to work with other provinces and territories to finalize similar bilateral agreements.
This announcement builds on the historic launch of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women in November 2022. It also builds upon the Government of Canada's commitment to provide approximately $300 million in emergency COVID-19 funding for organizations supporting individuals experiencing gender-based violence. This funding has reached over 1,400 women's shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations, including 157 organizations that serve Indigenous individuals.
