More support for survivors of gender-based violence

The Canada Housing Benefit provides direct financial support to Canadians who are experiencing housing need. The 2021 federal budget allocated an additional $315.4 million over 7 years expanding the Canada Housing Benefit's scope to strengthen the program, aligning it with the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

Bilateral Agreement

Provinces and territories deliver the Canada Housing Benefit in their regions. See who has signed the addendum which will provide direct support to survivors of gender-based violence.

Nova Scotia has signed the addendum to the Canada Housing Benefit, supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

About the Canada Housing Benefit

The Canada Housing Benefit was introduced in November 2017 as part of the National Housing Strategy. Its goal is to help some of Canada's most vulnerable by providing direct funding to households, making it easier for people to afford their housing costs.

CMHC worked with provinces and territories to develop 13 Canada Housing Benefit initiatives, one for each jurisdiction. These initiatives are tailored to prioritize populations facing housing challenges in each area. Provinces and territories are the ones delivering the Canada Housing Benefit in their respective regions.

The Government of Canada has committed $2 billion to kickstart this initiative. Provinces and territories matched this funding, resulting in a substantial $4-billion investment over 8 years that started in 2020-21. This collective effort demonstrates a commitment to addressing housing needs nationwide.

The Canada Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence is an enhancement to the existing Canada Housing Benefit.

In Budget 2021, an additional $315.4 million was allocated over 7 years to the Canada Housing Benefit, specifically to offer financial assistance for low-income women and children escaping violence. The landscape of violence prevention has evolved with the introduction and subsequent endorsement of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (Action Plan) in November 2022.

The endorsement of this 10-year Action Plan is a concrete step fulfilling a long-standing, shared commitment between federal, provincial and territorial governments. Governments are actively working towards a Canada free of gender-based violence. In addition, they are committed to supporting victims, survivors and their families from coast to coast to coast. The Action Plan defines gender-based violence in several ways. Gender-based violence can be actions rooted in gender norms and power imbalances, targeting individuals based on gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. It encompasses various forms, such as physical, economic, sexual and emotional (psychological) abuse.

The Action Plan sets a framework for anyone facing gender-based violence to have reliable and timely access to protection and services, no matter where they live. It is centred around 5 pillars:

• support for victims, survivors and their families
• prevention
• responsive justice system
• implementing Indigenous-led approaches
• social infrastructure and enabling environment

This first pillar focuses on supporting victims, survivors and their families. This inclusive approach extends to women, children and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals facing violence. It spans diverse sexes, genders and types of violence, including intimate partner violence and human trafficking.

The Enhancement allows the federal government to distribute extra funding by improving the National Housing Strategy Bilateral Agreement with provinces and territories.

This initiative ensures that the Canada Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence remains funded by the federal government and is matched dollar-for-dollar by provinces and territories. This collaborative funding approach provides direct affordability assistance to households in housing need.

Aligned with the terms and conditions of the existing Canada Housing Benefit, the Canada Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence maintains consistency. Federal funding is specifically targeted to help support survivors of gender-based violence, while provinces and territories have more flexibility with their funds. They can use their cost-matching to address the broader goal of ending gender-based violence. Or they can support other priority vulnerable populations through direct-to-household affordability assistance.

The enhancement offers financial aid, including rental subsidies and housing allowances, to survivors of gender-based violence. Additional funding supports community-based organizations offering housing and support services to survivors.

While the Canada Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence is a positive step forward, more work is needed to address the root causes of gender-based violence. This will ensure survivors can rebuild their lives free from violence, with access to necessary support.