Saskatchewan receives $20 million to address gender-based violence

Female representatives from the federal and provincial governments hugged after announcing funding to address gender-based violence in Saskatchewan.

Over the next four years, $20.3 million is being allocated to the province through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

The money is intended to help end gender-based violence, but there aren’t any specific details yet on how the funding will be used. According to Marci Ien, federal minister for women and gender equity, Saskatchewan activists and local organizations who deal with women fleeing violent situations will help generate ideas for the best ways the funds can be utilized.

“It is coming to the table together, and that’s what the money represents,” said Ien.

“The provinces and the organizations know what they need, and that’s what we wanted to do … The federal government could not have just come up with a plan.”

The federal action plan includes a $539.3-million investment over five years to support Canadian provinces and territories as they work to end gender-based violence.

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of gender-based homicide of women and girls among provinces, which is why it’s one of the first to receive the funds.

Ien said she expects each province and territory will use the funds in different ways.

“What Saskatchewan needs is not necessarily what Ontario needs, is not necessarily what Alberta needs, or British Columbia,” said Ien. “These are tailor made because of who’s at the table.”

Indigenous elders and leaders were present at the funding announcement, and a smudging ceremony was held to bless the initiative and its future. Ien emphasized how necessary it is to have the Indigenous community involved in the decision-making process.

“It’s important that people see themselves when they’re seeking help, and know that they can go into a place that sees them and understands culture,” said Ien. “There’s so much work being done.”

As someone who has worked closely with those fleeing violence, Jo-Anne Dusel, a member of the advisory council for Women’s Shelters Canada, knows what areas in Saskatchewan need the most help.

“There’s a lot of potential in terms of virtual counselling (and) virtual support,” said Dusel. “The crisis line that was mentioned is another way for people in rural areas to be able to reach out.”

She noted that funding could also help send face-to-face support out to rural and remote communities. Dusel said many in those areas don’t have the resources or know where and how to reach out for help, and noted that gender-based violence in remote areas is often under-reported compared to larger centres.

A major goal of the funding is to help prevent gender-based violence from happening at all.

“If we truly want to address, prevent and eliminate gender-based violence, we need to start providing education in an age-appropriate way in the school system,” said Dusel.

A number of organizations, elders, shelters and activists are set to meet this fall to share their ideas for the funding with the federal and provincial governments.

Funding will continue to be announced for other provinces and territories across Canada as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.