Gender Equality at Risk: Groups Urge Renewal of Expiring Federal Funding in Canada

[Administrator]

Organizations Warn About Threat to Gender Equality Programs as Federal Funding Ends

Many Canadian organizations are worried about the future of gender equality programs as a major source of federal funding is about to run out. Groups like YWCA Canada, the Canadian Women's Foundation, and Oxfam Canada are speaking out. They say that if the government does not renew its $100-million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund, important progress for women and gender-diverse people could be lost.

What Is the Feminist Response and Recovery Fund?

The Feminist Response and Recovery Fund was started in 2021 by the Canadian government as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its goal was to support women and gender-diverse people who were hit hardest by the crisis. The fund:

• Gave out over $100 million in grants
• Helped more than 250 organizations across Canada
• Supported work on gender-based violence, economic security, and leadership opportunities for women and other marginalized groups

This money helped groups run programs, hire new staff, and reach more people in need. It was a big boost for organizations helping Indigenous women, newcomers, racialized women, and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Concerns as Funding Set to Expire

The Feminist Response and Recovery Fund is scheduled to end in March 2025. Many organizations are worried about what will happen next. They say:

• Services may shrink or disappear
• Staff could lose their jobs
• People who depend on these programs may not get the help they need

Paulette Senior, president and CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation, explained, "We’re really concerned about what happens when this funding ends. We know that the needs have not gone away. In fact, they have increased."

Possible Layoffs and Program Cuts

Some organizations say they are already making tough choices. Without continued funding, they might have to:

• Lay off workers who run important programs
• Cut back or stop community events and services
• Turn away people who need help the most

Anjum Sultana, national director at YWCA Canada, described the problem as, "We’re facing a cliff. If there isn’t renewed investment, we’re going to see a rollback of the gains we’ve made."

Who Is Most at Risk?

Diana Sarosi, director of policy and campaigns at Oxfam Canada, says the fund especially helped those who were already struggling. "These are the groups that were hit hardest by the pandemic, and they’re the ones who will be hit hardest if this funding disappears," she said. The groups most at risk include:

• Indigenous women
• Racialized women
• Newcomers to Canada
• LGBTQ2S+ communities

Calls for the Government to Take Action

Organizations are asking the federal government to not only renew the fund but to expand it in the next budget. They say that long-term investment is needed to keep fighting for gender equality and to break down barriers that hold people back.

The groups believe that without steady funding, it will be harder to:

• Prevent gender-based violence
• Give women and gender-diverse people economic opportunities
• Support leaders from marginalized backgrounds

What the Government Says

A spokesperson for Women and Gender Equality Canada said the government is still committed to gender equality. They said the government is "actively considering options to support the sector going forward," but did not confirm if the Feminist Response and Recovery Fund would be renewed.

This uncertainty has many advocates worried that the progress made since 2021 could be lost if the fund ends.

What’s at Stake?

Paulette Senior of the Canadian Women's Foundation summed up the concerns by saying, "We can’t afford to go backwards. We need to keep moving forward to build a more equitable and inclusive Canada." Advocates believe that ending the fund could mean:

• Losing years of progress in gender equality
• Leaving vulnerable people without support
• Making it harder to recover from the effects of the pandemic

Looking Ahead

As the deadline for the fund approaches, organizations are urging the government to act quickly. They hope for:

• Renewed and increased funding for gender equality programs
• Continued support for the most vulnerable communities
• A strong commitment to making Canada fair and inclusive for everyone

Without these steps, many worry that the positive changes made in recent years could be reversed, leaving many without the help they need.