Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has unveiled a fresh investment of $16 million to strengthen services for people affected by family violence, aiming to improve access to support programs and help agencies better respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals across the province.
The funding comes on top of the $62 million previously committed toward family violence initiatives and will be channelled through the Emergency Family Violence Services program.
According to the government, nearly $15 million will be directed into three new funding streams designed to enhance community-based services, while more than $700,000 has been earmarked to help family violence shelters maintain uninterrupted operations during the transition period.
Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton said every community faces different challenges related to domestic violence, making it important to offer flexible programs that reflect local realities and survivor needs.
The newly introduced funding streams include:
- More than $5 million in operational support for agencies assisting survivors outside conventional emergency shelters.
- Nearly $6 million through the Regional Collaboration and Innovation Grant, encouraging organizations to work together and deliver culturally appropriate, community-focused services.
- $4 million over three years under a Facility Grant Pilot Program to improve shelter infrastructure through repairs, upgrades and maintenance.
Officials said the initiative recognizes that while emergency shelters remain an essential safety net, many survivors require alternatives that allow them to receive protection, counselling and crisis support while staying within their own communities whenever possible.
Organizations working in the sector welcomed the announcement, saying the additional funding would help broaden services beyond emergency accommodation and improve long-term recovery options for women, children and families escaping violence.
The Alberta government said the investment is part of its broader commitment under Budget 2026 to reinforce social support systems while ensuring family violence agencies have the resources needed to provide safe, accessible and effective assistance across the province.
