Canada – Statement by Minister Monsef and Minister Charest to further address gender-based violence in Quebec

noellaohman103
August 8, 2021
Categories: International
Tags: Minister, Statement

Since the pandemic started, the governments of Canada and Quebec have taken steps to limit its impacts on those most vulnerable. Canada and Quebec are committed to working together to ensure that organizations supporting notably women and girls in all their diversity so that they can continue to provide services during these difficult times.

Quebec – August 6, 2021

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development Canada, and Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women in the province of Quebec, issued the following joint statement:

“The pandemic created unprecedented challenges and impacted people’s health and safety in Quebec and across Canada, especially for women.

In 2020-21, nearly $17.5M in COVID-19 emergency funding was transferred to Quebec from the Government of Canada to support organizations across the province. This amount builds on the investments made by the Quebec Government during the pandemic. Organizations were able to improve their emergency preparedness and safely adapt and maintain activities and services for their clients in the context of a pandemic.

This investment allowed the Government of Quebec to provide additional support to aid organizations and shelters across the province which help women victims of domestic violence and abused women, as well as those offering assistance and services to women in situations leaving them vulnerable to violence. More than 300 organizations received funds as a result of this investment.

Today, we are pleased to announce that the Government of Canada will transfer over $44 million in funding to the Government of Quebec to enhance support for sexual assault centres, women’s shelters, and other organizations that provide critical services and supports for women and girls in all their diversity who are experiencing violence.

This funding is part of the $200 million over two years from the Federal 2021 Budget, to support gender-based violence organisations.

Canada and Quebec will continue to collaborate and take action to eliminate gender-based violence.

We encourage people who feel unsafe at home to use the resources available. Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the toll-free helpline at 1-888-933-9007. For victims of domestic violence, SOS Violence conjugale is available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-363-9010.”