News

Federal Funding for Crisis Hotlines in Saskatchewan

On February 28, the federal government announced $1 million in funding to support crisis hotlines in the province, a bilateral agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan. This funding announcement is the first of $539.3 million that is committed over five years as part of the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The NAP to End GBV “is a strategic framework for action within and across jurisdictions to support victims, survivors, and their families, no matter where they live.” PATHS is looking forward to working with all levels of government as we jointly work toward realizing the goals and principles of the NAP.

Jo-Anne Dusel, Executive Director of PATHS, said, “I am very pleased to see this first installment of federal funding coming to Saskatchewan as part of the historic agreement between federal, provincial, and territorial governments to address all forms of gender-based violence. Crisis lines are often the first point of contact for victims and survivors of gender-based violence as they seek safety and support. It is so important that these calls go directly to professionals trained in trauma-and-violence-informed practice and crisis counselling. Whether survivors need emergency shelter, counselling, referrals, ongoing outreach, and support or just a caring ear, crisis lines can be a literal lifeline to those who experience violence and abuse.”