Government of Canada announces investment in women’s organizations in the Greater Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap

News release

August 30, 2019 – Kelowna, British Columbia – Women and Gender Equality Canada

Women’s organizations provide vital services in our communities, supporting women and girls to be financially secure, free from violence, and able to fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society. Yet, for far too long they have been chronically underfunded, underestimated and undermined. The Government of Canada recognizes that women’s organizations are the lifeblood of the women’s movement, and that maintaining and growing the ability of these organizations to do this important work is the most effective way to advance gender equality.

That’s why today, Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna—Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that the Government of Canada will invest more than $1.3 million in five women’s and Indigenous organizations serving women in the Greater Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap.

MP Fuhr highlighted the following organizations that will receive funding (please see the Backgrounder for more information and testimonials):

  • Golden Women's Centre Society;
  • Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society;
  • Kelowna Women’s Shelter;
  • Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society; and
  • Women in Leadership Foundation.

These organizations are among more than 250 women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women across Canada to receive funding under the Government of Canada’s Capacity-building Fund. This investment stems from the Budget 2018 announcement of $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across the country.

Quotes

“With our historic investment, we recognize the women and women’s organizations breaking through barriers and we express our gratitude to those who have been doing this work for decades on little more than a shoestring budget. The women’s movement across Canada has been asking for a reliable, predictable and accessible source of funds to ensure the sustainability of its work. With stable and flexible funding, we are helping women’s organizations throughout the Greater Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap grow and thrive, because we know that investing in women’s organizations is the most effective way to advance gender equality. By supporting a movement that has achieved amazing results, we are growing the middle class, strengthening families and communities, and creating lasting change that benefits everyone.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“These organizations make incredible contributions to the women and families of the Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap every day. The Government of Canada is investing in their hard work, compassion, and commitment to advance gender equality and contribute to a stronger, safer and more prosperous community for all.”

Stephen Fuhr
Member of Parliament for Kelowna—Lake Country

Quick facts

  • Budget 2018 announced $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across Canada. Adding to this historic investment, Budget 2019 invests a further $160 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, in the Department for Women and Gender Equality’s Women’s Program. This means that in 2023–24, the Women’s Program, which supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance gender equality by addressing systemic barriers, will total $100 million. 

  • This funding will enable women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women to tackle systemic barriers impeding women’s progress, while recognizing and addressing the diverse experiences of gender and inequality across the country.

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Contacts

Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
343-549-8825

Valérie Haché
Senior Communications Advisor
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-8684

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