NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

 Support for women and children fleeing violence during COVID-19

July 21, 2020 – Laval, Quebec – In recent months, the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for victims of sexual and family violence, as well as for the organizations helping them. That is why the Government of Canada acted immediately to support women and children fleeing gender‑based violence.

Angelo Iacono, MP for Alfred–Pellan, welcomes the announcement of a new agreement between Canada and Quebec. The federal government will give the province direct funding of $2.3 million to support organizations that provide services to women and their families fleeing violence. This is in addition to the $6.46 million already sent to the province to support women’s shelters and organizations helping sexual assault survivors. 

Part of this funding, delivered in two phases, went to four Laval organizations helping victims of sexual and domestic violence, including three shelters. This support by the federal government was delivered through its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which allocated $50 million for organizations providing services to women and their families fleeing violence.

Quote

 “I’m deeply grateful to all those working tirelessly to help our most vulnerable residents get through this difficult time. In Laval and elsewhere, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused cases of gender-based violence to skyrocket, and we must ensure that the victims of this terrible scourge receive the support they deserve.”

– Angelo Iacono, MP for Alfred–Pellan