Manitoba, Ottawa vow to tackle gender-based violence by funding community initiatives

A new funding agreement between the federal and Manitoba governments means millions of dollars will be streamlined into 19 gender-based violence community initiatives.

It’s part of what’s being called a “comprehensive 10-year national action plan.”

“It is male violence when we talk about gender-based violence that puts women girls and gender diverse folk at risk, so we need to be tackling that,” said Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine. “But that also comes from the community and those discussions.”

Each government will be contributing more than $6 million in funding, which will be distributed between urban, rural, and remote communities in Manitoba, including Winnipeg’s Red River College Polytechnic.

“This funding will ensure that our micro-credential preparedness Shelter Support Worker can access this training tuition free for as long as they are needed, and so that the training is accessible so we can continue this very important work,” said Dr. Christine Watson, the academic vice-president at RRC Polytech.

The national action plan aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence and provide support to victims, survivors, and their families across the country. It also intends to implement Indigenous-led approaches; a responsive justice system; and social infrastructure.

“If we’re really going to end it, and we use the word ‘end’ for a reason, because that’s the goal, then we have to not just include, but fully engage at the table both men and boys,” said Marci Ien, the federal minister of women and gender equality and youth.