HighRiverOnline
The Rowan House Society is advocating for continued funding to advance gender equality.
The Society has signed a joint statement released by the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women following projected budget cuts for the Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE).
The department is facing possible budget cuts of 80 per cent by 2027-2028.
According to the plan document, the change in planned spending is the result of changes in grant funding.
Starting in 2026-2027, funding is expected to decrease due to time-limited funding ending.
Linette Soldan, Rowan House Society Executive Director, explained that the organization is concerned about the projected funding cuts to WAGE Canada.
“For several years, funding provided by WAGE has enabled Rowan House Society to start up or run some of our programs and initiatives that help families in High River, Okotoks, and surrounding areas break the cycle of abuse, seek help early, and build skills for healthier, non-violent relationships,” Soldan said.
She added that funding cuts could impact programming and make it more challenging for families to find safety, access, and support to stop violence and abuse before it starts.
“We urge the Government of Canada to reconsider and commit to sustained funding so that adults and children impacted by abuse are not put at risk and have hope to live lives free of violence and abuse,” she said.