Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is providing $2.5 million in grants to 36 community organizations to improve access to justice and strengthen services for people affected by gender-based violence.
The funding is being distributed through the Community Pathways to Justice grant for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Supported initiatives will offer services including assistance navigating the justice system, safety planning, crisis intervention and restorative justice programmes.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Mickey Amery said the investment would help community organizations address the challenges victims face when seeking assistance. He added that the funding would enable more people to understand their legal options, access appropriate services and navigate the justice system with greater confidence.
Funding reaches communities across Alberta
The 36 selected organizations represent communities across the province. Calgary has received the largest share, with 14 grant recipients, followed by Edmonton with seven. Another seven organizations in central Alberta, four in southern Alberta and four in northern Alberta have also been selected.
Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir said addressing gender-based violence requires cooperation between governments, service providers and advocates. She said supporting organizations working directly with affected individuals would help improve outcomes and contribute to safer communities.
The initiative also forms part of a broader partnership with the federal government under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism Rechie Valdez said the federal government was working with Alberta, Indigenous partners and community organizations to strengthen support systems and help people live free from violence.
Community organizations to strengthen victim services
The Community Pathways to Justice grant is intended to advance Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence by improving community-based responses and helping survivors access essential services.
Among the organizations receiving support are Parkland Turning Points Society and Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, both of which provide assistance to people affected by violence.
Charity Wagner, executive director of Parkland Turning Points Society, said the funding would help the organization continue offering free domestic violence counselling to individuals and families, irrespective of their ability to pay. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that people seeking help can begin their recovery in a safe and supportive environment.
Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre will use the support to continue providing victim services, including justice-system navigation, for young girls and gender-diverse children and youth who have experienced abuse.
The centre’s CEO, Karen Orser, welcomed the investment, saying it would help sustain critical services for children and young people affected by violence.
The provincial government said the grant programme aims to reduce barriers to assistance and strengthen the network of community organizations supporting survivors. Through the investment, Alberta intends to improve access to justice and help affected individuals and families find the resources they need to pursue safety and recovery.
