NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and are critical support services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for crisis hotline services significantly increased across Canada and this demand continues today.

Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, joined by the Honourable Sherry Wilson, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for Women’s Equality and Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, announced $700,000 in funding to support crisis hotlines in the province until March 31, 2026.

This funding will help New Brunswick crisis hotlines offer more robust services, resources, and supports to serve the urgent needs of those experiencing gender-based violence and their families, no matter where they live in the province.

Today’s announcement in New Brunswick supports the historic launch of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence by the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in November 2022. It also builds upon the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $300 million in emergency COVID-19 funding for organizations supporting individuals experiencing gender-based violence. This funding has reached over 1,400 women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations.

Quotes

“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to a safer Canada for everyone. Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for women and families fleeing violence because they serve as a connection to safe resources. This funding will help New Brunswick enhance the existing critical supports and services across the province and help people who are experiencing gender-based violence.”

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“Collectively, we have the same goal and commitment of one day ending gender-based violence. Investing in existing gender-based violence crisis lines is one example of the steps we are taking to create safer communities. We acknowledge New Brunswick has seen an increase of intimate partner violence against women and girls. The largest increase among the provinces. We believe that access to crisis line supports is an important connection to help these women and girls in need.”

The Honourable Sherry Wilson, New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for Women’s Equality

“Ending gender-based violence requires a comprehensive approach, and crisis hotlines play a vital role as lifelines for survivors. The funding announced today demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those facing gender-based violence in New Brunswick have the support they need. Together, we’re creating a safer and more supportive environment for all, regardless of where they live.”

Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton

Quick facts

• The National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence was launched by the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in November 2022. The Plan sets out a framework for a Canada free of gender-based violence – a Canada that supports victims, survivors, and their families from coast to coast to coast. This is a concrete step towards fulfilling a long-standing commitment of FPT governments to working together towards a Canada free of GBV.
• Gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls. Certain intersectional populations also experience high levels of violence or are underserved when they experience gender-based violence, including Indigenous women and girls; Black and racialized women; immigrant and refugee women; members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities; women and girls with disabilities; and women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities.
• Crisis hotlines across Canada saw a dramatic surge in calls from June to October 2020, when the COVID-19 lockdown measures first eased.
• Between 2009 and 2021, New Brunswick has been reported to have the largest increase of intimate partner violence against women and girls among the provinces, with a 39% rise.

Associated links

• Supporting Crisis Hotlines Across Canada
• Budget 2021 
• News release – National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality 

Contacts

Johise Namwira
Press Secretary and Issues Manager
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
873-353-0985
Johise.Namwira@fegc-wage.gc.ca

Media Relations
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-6530
FEGC.Media.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca