The federal government is committing $607.4 million over four years to continue implementing Canada’s National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.
Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez announced the funding Thursday as federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for the status of women met in New Brunswick.
The money will begin flowing in 2027-28 and will support renewed bilateral agreements with provinces and territories.
Funding aimed at prevention and survivor supports
The federal government says the renewed agreements will support programs focused on preventing gender-based violence, improving services for victims and survivors, strengthening community-led initiatives and building safer communities.
The national action plan was launched in 2022 as a 10-year strategy involving federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The new funding builds on an earlier federal investment of $539.3 million over five years that began in 2022-23.
Ottawa says more than one million people accessed support services funded through the plan in 2024-25, while more than 27,400 prevention resources were delivered, including education, awareness and early intervention programs.
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Crisis hotline funding renewed
Valdez also announced $31 million over five years to renew federal funding for provincial and territorial crisis hotlines.
Of that amount, $6.2 million will become ongoing annual funding.
The government says the money will help hotline operators maintain and expand trauma-informed services for people experiencing gender-based violence.
“Every person deserves to live free from violence,” Valdez said in a statement.
She said renewing agreements with provinces and territories will help victims, survivors and their families continue accessing services.
Governments cite growing concern
The federal government says police-reported intimate partner violence increased by 14 per cent between 2018 and 2024.
Women and girls accounted for 78 per cent of reported intimate partner violence victims in 2024.
Ottawa also says 42 per cent of women killed in 2024 were killed by a spouse or partner, up from 32 per cent the previous year.
The national action plan is being carried out in partnership with governments, Indigenous organizations, service providers, municipalities, researchers, advocates and people with lived experience.