Standing Together: What the new Federal funding to advance equality and build safer, more inclusive communities means for Luke’s Place
On October 29, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a landmark investment of $660.5 million over five years to advance equality and build safer, more inclusive communities across the country. The announcement was made by The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State, alongside The Honourable Francoise-Philippe Champagne.
During the announcement, Minister Valdez was visibly moved, brought to tears as she spoke about the urgent need for continued investment in women’s and gender-equality funding. Her emotion reflected what so many of us in this field know: that this work is not abstract. It’s deeply personal, rooted in the lived experiences of survivors and the tireless efforts of those on the front lines, as well as many others who support them.
This federal commitment reflects the collective strength of violence against women organizations across Ontario and Canada, who have worked together to ensure survivors’ voices are heard at every level of government. Through coalitions, policy submissions, and joint advocacy, we have underscored that equality and safety must go hand in hand, and this announcement is a powerful acknowledgement of that shared effort.
What this means for Luke’s Place
At Luke’s Place, we witness firsthand how inequality and systemic barriers in the family law process perpetuate harm. This new federal investment will:
- Reinforce national coordination on gender-based violence prevention and response.
- Empower not-for-profits like ours to continue innovating, expanding legal supports, and reaching more women.
- Encourage cross-sector collaboration, ensuring survivors receive wraparound services that address both safety and economic stability.
A shared victory, and a call to action
We are proud that our Executive Director was invited to Ottawa to witness this milestone in person, a moment that represents every advocate, supporter, and survivor who has worked toward this day.
This announcement gives us hope, and renewed determination. To truly end gender-based violence, we must keep working together.