Backgrounder -  Government of Canada announces investment in women’s organization in Eastern Ontario 

Department for Women and Gender Equality – Women’s Program

One of the ways the Department for Women and Gender Equality advances gender equality in Canada is by providing funding to eligible organizations through the Women’s Program. Projects are selected via calls for proposals on specific themes, as well as through a continuous intake process that allows the Women’s Program to address emerging issues as they arise.                                                  

The Women’s Program funds projects that address systemic barriers to women’s equality in three priority areas: ending violence against women and girls; improving the economic security and prosperity of women and girls; and encouraging women and girls in leadership roles.

Capacity-building Call for Proposals

In October 2018, Minister Monsef announced a Call for Proposals under the Capacity-building Fund of the Women’s Program. Projects at the local, provincial, and national level were eligible for different amounts of funding, based on their specific need and reach.

On March 8, 2019, International Women’s Day, Minister Monsef announced that over 250 women’s organizations across the country would receive funding from the Capacity-building Fund.

The objective is to fund proposals that will increase the capacity of eligible women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women, whose initiatives contribute to a viable women’s movement in Canada that advances gender equality. Funding will increase the ability of organizations to grow, meet the increasing demands for their services, and continue to work collectively to address gender equality issues. The fund stems from the Budget 2018 announcement of $100 million over five years to help support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across Canada.

Today’s announcement in Eastern Ontario profiled the following project selected for federal funding through the Capacity-building Fund:

Centre Novas-CALACS francophone de Prescott-Russell

Project title: Strengthening Organizational Capacities in Order to Strengthen Women’s Rights
Funding amount: $235,995

With this funding, the organization will be able to better mobilize the community and raise awareness to prevent violence against women and address gender inequalities. By developing and creating new community and private sector partnerships, Centre Novas-CALACS francophone de Prescott-Russell will continue to support francophone women for the well-being of the region.

Centre Novas-CALACS francophone de Prescott-Russell offers a wide range of support services for women who have experienced sexual assault in any form, including intervention, education, community consultation and action.