Government of Canada announces investment for women’s organizations in Western Newfoundland

Three organizations receiving funding to ensure they can continue providing essential supports for women and their families

April 16, 2019 – Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador – Department for Women and Gender Equality

Women’s organizations provide vital services in our communities, supporting women and girls to be financially secure, free from violence, and able to fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society. Yet for far too long they have been chronically underfunded, underestimated and undermined. The Government of Canada recognizes that women’s organizations are the lifeblood of the women’s movement, and that maintaining and growing their ability to do this important work is the most effective way to advance gender equality.

That’s why today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that the Government of Canada will invest over $430,000 in three women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women in Western Newfoundland:

Bay St. George Status of Women Association Inc. is receiving $19,246 to attract and retain high quality employees and volunteers to be able to support more women in their community and develop stronger relationships with their sister organizations to expand their impact across the province.

Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network Inc. is receiving $388,766 to grow and maintain their ability to support Indigenous women in the community and better understand the social and economic barriers Indigenous women face, including violence and its impact on mental health.

People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre Inc. is receiving $24,486 to assess and improve their ability to provide housing to women experiencing or at risk of violence.

These organizations are three of the more than 250 women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women across Canada in which the Government of Canada is investing under the Capacity-building Fund. Funding stems from the Budget 2018 announcement of $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across Canada.

Quotes

“With our historic investment, we recognize the women and women’s organizations breaking through barriers, and express our gratitude to those who have been doing this work for decades on little more than a shoestring budget. The women’s movement across Canada has been asking for a reliable, predictable and accessible source of funds to ensure the sustainability of their work. Our government listened. With stable and flexible funding across Western Newfoundland, we are helping these three organizations scale up so they can grow and endure, because we know that investing in women’s organizations is the most effective way to advance gender equality. By supporting a movement that has achieved amazing results, we are growing the middle class, strengthening families and communities, and creating lasting change that benefits everyone.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“These projects, all funded through the Department for Women and Gender Equality, will allow each organization to work on their strategy for success, and build future momentum for the good work that they do in their communities. Each of the three projects have the goal of improving the social and economic circumstances of women in their community. The projects will facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders, the creation of professional and community development programs, and promote advocacy and education for all. Such development opportunities allow not only the organizations to build their capacity, but also the women that these organizations serve. By supporting the women in their communities, organizations such as the Bay St. George Women’s Centre, the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, and the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, we are strengthening the voices of women in their communities, supporting them in ways specific to their local needs, and promoting gender equality in all aspects of society.”

Gudie Hutchings
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“As a community-based organization, our main focus is to improve the quality of life of women and families in the Bay St. George region. With this financial support from the Government of Canada, we can take critical steps to grow and strengthen our services, so we can reach more women.”

Janice Kennedy, Executive Director
Bay St. George Status of Women Association Inc.

“Our vision is that all Indigenous women live in safe, respectful, caring communities where there is zero tolerance of violence and abuse. Thanks to this federal support, we can continue working to achieve this by fostering community awareness, protective legislation, and culturally responsive programs and services. Our trained facilitators and community mentors can help create long-term, positive change for the health and well-being of Indigenous women in Newfoundland.”

Odelle Pike, President
Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network Inc.

“We are tremendously grateful for this federal support because it enables us to provide culturally appropriate help to Indigenous women – regardless of status – for health, housing, education, employment, and justice. Each of our centres are unique to the women and community they serve, and this funding will help us ensure we can provide the safe and accessible housing they need to thrive.”

Patrick Park-Tighe, Executive Director
People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre Inc.

Quick facts

Budget 2018 announced $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across Canada. Adding to this historic investment, Budget 2019 proposes to invest a further $160 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, in the Department for Women and Gender Equality’s Women’s Program. This means that by 2023–24, the Women’s Program, which supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers, will total $100 million annually.

This funding will enable women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women to tackle systemic barriers impeding women’s progress, while recognizing and addressing the diverse experiences of gender and inequality across the country.

Women continue to be disproportionately affected by economic insecurity. In 2015, women in Canada earned just 88 cents for every dollar earned by men. They are also much more likely to work on a part-time basis, making up 76% of all part-time workers, with 25% of women reporting childcare responsibilities as their reason for working part-time.

Some populations are more likely to experience violence and may face unique barriers and challenges that put them at particular risk (Statistics Canada, 2015).

Canada will host the Women Deliver 2019 Conference from June 3 to 6, 2019, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Held every three years, it is the world’s largest gathering on gender equality and the health, rights and well-being of women and girls.

The conference is part of a global movement to promote gender equality worldwide that gives voice to a broad spectrum of people, including Indigenous peoples, youth and those living in conflict and crisis settings. It will bring together more than 6,000 individuals—world leaders, influencers, advocates, academics, activists, youth and journalists—from more than 160 countries, with an additional 100,000 people joining virtually.

Government of Canada announces investment for women’s organizations in Western Newfoundland

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