The government of Alberta announced a new program to support Albertans who have been affected by gender-based violence.
They launched a new program this week called the Community Pathways to Justice, offering up grant money to organizations such as Rowan House Society here in the Foothills.
$1.25 million in one-time funding is now available to enhance access to justice and provide survivor-centred services.
It's part of the province's 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence.
In a media release, two key ministers shared their thoughts on the importance of this grant.
“We are making this significant investment because gender-based violence has no place in society. This funding empowers community programs to help survivors identify gender-based violence, know how to respond and have the support they need to move forward if they are impacted. Alberta’s government is standing with survivors and the organizations that support them.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
“We are leading with action. This grant delivers real support when and where survivors need it most, a key part of our made-in-Alberta strategy to end gender-based violence.”
Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
The grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 and are to be used for operational activities. Organizations can apply until Aug. 1.
More information can be found on the provincial website.
Part of the funding is coming from the federal government as a bilateral $54 million agreement between them that was announced in 2023.
Rowan House Society, who operate the Rowan House emergency women's shelter, were thrilled with the announcement and sent out their own release.
We are delighted to see the Government of Alberta investing more funding that support families, individuals and children impacted by gender-based violence.
Here in High River, and in rural communities like ours, we see only too often the devastating impact of gender-based violence. And we are not alone. In fact, across Canada, women living in rural communities experience intimate partner violence at rates 75% higher than urban women.
The Government of Alberta’s proposed funding aligns closely with the work Rowan House Society already does, both in our shelter and out in the community. It’s also a natural fit with our Safe at Home program, a first-of-its-kind rural initiative that supports individuals who have caused harm and want to make lasting change.
We’re especially excited about the opportunity this could create for Rowan House Society to strengthen our survivor-centred services, specifically for family members impacted by perpetrators who have gone through the justice system. We know very well these family members need tailored support, and funding like this could help Rowan House Society bolster our services - right here in their community, close to home.
At Rowan House Society, our goal is to always work in community and with community to ensure everyone can live safely. Violence is never just one person’s problem—and ending it means addressing both the harm and the root causes together.
- Linette Soldan, Executive Director