Manitoba groups share $5M to battle gender-based violence

When Nina Condo learned her organization would receive nearly $650,000 to support gender-based violence programs for newcomer Canadians, she let out a sigh of relief.

“This funding means I can finally breathe,” said Condo, executive director of the Elmwood Community Resource Centre and Area Association. “It’s giving people the hope and strength to not give up.”

The centre was one of 17 organizations to share $7.4 million from the federal government that’s been earmarked combat gender-based violence in the Prairies.

The announcement, made Monday in Winnipeg, includes more than $5.1 million to support projects at 11 Manitoba organizations. The remainder is dedicated to six groups in Saskatchewan.

The money will help the recipients prevent and address gender-based violence by building capacity, providing better supports and resources and bolstering research and data collection, the federal government said.

Condo said it means she will be able to continue to help the 160 South Asian, Black and Arab women who rely on the resource centre — an important hub for immigrants who’ve been victimized by violence. They often have limited social connections and language barriers.

“Because of that gap in service, newcomers often are left behind. Within those communities, we will work on building their capacity and understanding of what’s going on and what barriers they are experiencing,” Condo said, describing how the centre offers cultural, educational and job programs.

“We know if we are helping one woman, we are helping a whole tribe behind her. She will be able to help her daughter or her neighbour, so it’s a whole village.”

The funding is part of the Liberal government’s action plan to end gender-based violence, which includes bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories.

In Manitoba, the support is especially important: the province had the second-highest rate of intimate partner violence in 2022, as per data from Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan had the highest rate.

“Gender-based violence knows no boundaries… It tears at the fabric of our communities and undermines the principle of justice,” said Manitoba’s senior federal cabinet minister Dan Vandal, a Winnipeg MP.

“The federal government is committed to providing the resources and support necessary to address this issue at its core. We will work hand-in-hand with all of our partners to develop innovative solutions, share best practices and ensure that no survivor is left behind.”

At the news conference at The Forks, he was joined by Ben Carr, a Winnipeg Liberal MP; Marci Ien, minister of women and gender equality; and Leah Gazan, a Winnipeg NDP MP.

Ien, who helped spearhead the national action plan, described gender-based violence as a non-partisan issue, noting that establishing the funding agreements in Manitoba and Saskatchewan involved co-operation from politicians of various stripes.

Ending Violence Association Canada — Manitoba will receive the bulk of the funding, with more than $1 million dedicated to supporting its online reporting tool.

Other Manitoba beneficiaries include: Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg; Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad; Wahbung Abinoonjiiag; Tunngasugit; The Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres; The Pas Family Resource Centre — Minisewin Waska; Circling Buffalo; and Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

The organizations applied for support between Jan. 27 and March 10, 2022, when the federal government asked for proposals. Around $55 million was included in the 2021 federal budget to support front-line organizations.

The money was reserved for organizations that support the Indigenous and LGBTTQ+ communities and people of colour.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca