The Ontario government has announced an additional investment of $26.7 million over two years to expand shelter spaces and strengthen support programs for survivors of gender-based violence. The funding aims to enhance accessibility at emergency shelters across the province and improve assistance for victims navigating the family court system. This initiative is part of Ontario’s broader plan to improve safety, access to services, and community supports for those affected by violence.
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa emphasized the government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence through stronger partnerships with community organizations. The new funding will help frontline agencies provide safe spaces for survivors to heal and rebuild their lives. Currently, Ontario’s shelters serve over 12,000 women and their dependents annually, and this investment will support more than 65 shelters across rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities to ensure that help is available where and when it is needed.
Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams highlighted the importance of safety and community support in helping women achieve their potential. She noted that by investing in community-based programs, the government is helping prevent violence while empowering women to thrive in all areas of life.
A portion of the new funding will also expand access to Family Court Support Workers, who assist survivors in understanding the legal process, preparing for court, accessing referrals, and attending court proceedings. These services play a vital role in helping survivors navigate complex legal challenges while accessing the support they need.
This investment complements Ontario’s ongoing efforts to build safer, healthier communities and advance women’s well-being and economic security. It also aligns with Ontario’s broader action plan to end gender-based violence and its $345 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy (2025–2030), the largest of its kind in Canada.
Marlene Ham, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH), praised the announcement, noting that expanded shelter spaces and wraparound support services will open doors to safety and hope for survivors. Such investments, she said, create pathways to stability and futures free from violence.
Through these measures, Ontario continues to strengthen its response to gender-based violence, ensuring survivors have access to safe shelter, legal support, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives and secure long-term well-being.
