QUESTION PERIOD — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative
December 14, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, as part of our Standing Senate Committee on National Finance review on supplementary estimates, I recently noted a $5 million request for emergency shelter for women and girls.
Are these funds being distributed through the Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, which falls under the National Housing Co-Investment Funding? Can you provide us an update with this initiative? How much money has been invested since it was announced in 2021? How many shelter beds and transitional homes have been built or repaired for women and children fleeing domestic violence?
With the holidays just around the corner, I’m sure we all agree that everyone deserves a safe place to call home where children and women can live with dignity and without fear.
Thank you for the important question. Providing women and their families fleeing domestic violence is a priority for this government, as it should be for all Canadians.
I understand that through the work done under the National Housing Strategy, which includes initiatives such as Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, the government has supported the creation or repair of over 13,100 shelter spaces since 2016.
In addition, the government is investing over $724 million to expand culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, for girls, for 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples who are escaping gender-based violence to the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. Since the launch of this initiative, 25 projects have been selected across the country for advancement.
Thank you for that answer. I commend the federal government for this very important initiative. Women and children who are fleeing domestic violence are in dire need for more safe and affordable places to turn to, a place to heal and a place to gain greater independence.
Can you expand on the program’s decision-making process or set of criteria in determining which city will be receiving the funds for beds and shelters? Does the government work with agencies to find out where there are the most pressing and urgent needs?
Thank you for the question. Specific to the Women’s and Children’s Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, my understanding is that CMHC prioritizes partnerships between organizations and governments supporting women and their children fleeing violence, as well as other partners. The fund also prioritizes affordable housing that is energy efficient, accessible and socially inclusive.
