TORONTO, Ontario, March 18th, 2020 — YWCA Canada was pleased to hear in the Government of Canada’s announcement dedicated funding for women’s shelters to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of uncertainty and economic hardship, the risk for gender-based violence escalates.
The funding of up to $50 million will be crucial for organizations such as the YWCA keep their doors open and ensure the health and safety for our front-line workers and service users. By investing in personal protective equipment and scaling up our ability to engage in physical distancing, YWCAs will work to ensure no one is left behind.
From shelters to daycares to social support services, YWCAs across the country are on the frontlines supporting and serving some of Canada’s most marginalized and vulnerable communities at an unprecedented time. We were also pleased to see an additional boost in funding of $157.5 million for the Reaching Home initiative and look forward to seeing the details of this funding in the weeks to come.
“During times of crisis, it is important to bolster support for Canada’s most vulnerable communities, including survivors of gender-based violence and people experiencing homelessness. We need to take an equity approach to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of Canada and all of our stakeholders to ensure that support reaches the communities that need it the most.” – Maya Roy, CEO, YWCA Canada
YWCA Canada appreciates the leadership demonstrated by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Maryam Monsef by embedding a gender-based analysis to the government’s COVID-19 pandemic relief packages. As one of the largest and oldest multi-service women’s organization in the country, YWCA Canada and our 32 Member Associations have been closely following the situation. Collectively, we serve over 330, 000 people and invest $258 million annually in 300 communities across Canada.
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For more information, contact Anjum Sultana, Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications, YWCA Canada at asultana@ywcacanada.ca or 647 205 3079.
About YWCA Canada
YWCA Canada is a leading voice for women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people. For 150 years, we’ve been at the forefront of a movement: to fight gender-based violence, build affordable housing and advocate for workplace equity. We work to advance gender equity by responding to urgent needs in communities, through national advocacy and grassroots initiatives. Local YWCAs invest over $258 million annually to support over 330,000 individuals across the nation. Today, we engage young leaders, diverse communities, and corporate partners to achieve our vision of a safe and equitable Canada for all.
