The federal government announced funding to build and renovate hundreds of spaces for women and children fleeing violence.
Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen said Friday that more than $121 million would be invested by Ottawa to build and renovate a total of 430 places in shelters and transitional housing.
The money comes from an initiative under the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, already announced in Budget 2021.
Lise Martin, Executive Director of Women’s Shelters Canada, says that while this is a good start, this funding is “unfortunately a drop in the bucket” to meet the high need of women who seek a safe haven.
Ms Martin is disappointed that the government did not renew this funding in Budget 2022.
She says she hopes this initiative will be renewed until the end of the National Housing Strategy, which is due to end in 2027-2028.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the SOS violence conjugale hotline at 1 800 363-9010.
If you are a victim of sexual violence, you can contact a center for assistance and the fight against sexual assault (CALACS) near you. Click here to see the list or call the Sexual Violence Info-aid line at 1 888 933-9007.
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