Today, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Sault MP Terry Sheehan announced a $90,000 contribution from the federal government for Women in Crisis Algoma Inc.

The money will be used for a new project entitled Moving Forward toward a Violence-Free Future for Woman and Children, to create more opportunities to discuss and highlight the ongoing issue of violence against women and gender-based violence. The program will offer practical tools and resources which will encourage and support survivors.

“Women In Crisis (Algoma) Inc. works to provide advocacy, support, safe shelter, programs, and services for all women and children affected by abuse and violence. We provide leadership, education, and awareness to the community on the issues of abuse and gender inequality. Through this project, we plan to increase and sustain our capacity to support survivors of gender-based violence. This project will support the establishment of an online fundraising platform, as well as the development of a five-year strategic plan and related fundraising and communications strategies,” said Norma Elliott, Director of Programs and Staff, Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Government for this funding initiative and a special thank you to our MP Terry Sheehan for his commitment and dedication to the community of Sault Ste. Marie and our work towards ending abuse and violence against women and children,” Elliott added.

“Women in Crisis Algoma plays a vital role in our community of addressing violence against women and their children (VAW) and gender-based violence (GBV), and I am immensely grateful for the work they do. In response to Gender-Based Violence, the Government of Canada created Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence and we’ve committed $100.9 million over the next five years and $20.7 million per year ongoing. Providing funding to local organizations like Women in Crisis, is key to eradicating violence against women from the ground up,” MP Sheehan said.

Through the Status of Women department, in June 2017, It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence is the Government of Canada’s response to gender-based violence (GBV). It builds on current federal initiatives, coordinates existing programs and lays the foundation for greater action on GBV.

The Strategy is based on three pillars:

· Prevention;

· Support for survivors and their families; and

· Promotion of responsive legal and justice systems.