Manitoba first province to sign on to federal funding for crisis hotlines
A spike in calls to crisis hotlines from survivors of gender-based violence is being met with a boost in funding from the federal government.
Ottawa is dolling out cash to provinces and territories to help organizations answer phones and connect callers with help.
It comes amid a spike in the number of people seeking support during the pandemic and growing financial pressures on families due to the rising cost of living.
“We increased the number of volunteers that we have and we’ve been increasing some staff but there are times when people are trying to get through and they have difficulty doing so and that’s a very real concern for us,” said Ayn Wilcox, executive director of Klinic Community Health.
Last year more than 38,000 crisis line calls were answered by Klinic and between 2020 and 2022 there was a 231 per cent increase in calls to its Sexual Assault Crisis Program.
The federal government is giving $30 million it set aside in the 2021 budget to crisis hotlines across Canada, and Manitoba — the first and only province so far to sign on to the bilateral funding agreement — is getting $1 million over four years.
It’s money Rochelle Squires, the province’s Families Minister, said has already been earmarked for Klinic’s crisis line.
“It’s really important for us to ensure the stability and sustainability of that crisis hotline or those crisis hotlines that they run and this funding will ensure that sustainability,” Squires said.
Details on exactly how the money will be used are still being worked out but Klinic said it’ll likely go towards training and technology.
Marci Ien, the federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, made the announcement after meeting with survivors of gender-based violence at Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Velma’s House, a safe space for women and gender-diverse people, which will soon be open 24 hours a day.
“We know that crisis hotlines are a lifeline for women fleeing domestic violence,” Ien said. “I’ve heard it myself. Timely connection to support and services can and often is the difference between life and death.”
Lorie English, the head of the West Central Women’s Resource Centre, applauds the investment but English said a phone call is often only the first step.
English said that’s why advocates approached the federal minister after the announcement to say more money is needed for agencies and shelters offering other supports to survivors.
“And so, what we need to see now is a matched commitment to this one in creating more beds, in creating more safe spaces for folks who are experiencing gender-based violence, particularly in the City of Winnipeg,” English said. “We often find our shelter beds are full.”
If beds are full, survivors may be turned away, sent to communities outside Winnipeg or provided with a hotel room.
Ien agrees more support is needed and Wilcox acknowledged the important role other agencies play.
“Not one of us can do this work alone,” she said. “We have to work in partnership and try to provide all of the supports that folks need when they need it.”
While Manitoba was the first to sign, Ien said agreements with other provinces are being worked out.
Members of the Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba said they’ve asked for an additional meeting with the federal minister. English said the minister was receptive and she’s hopeful a meeting will be set up shortly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.