Manitoba Government Empowering Men to Help End Gender-Based Violence

February 5, 2025

The Manitoba government is providing $811,000 through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence to support programs that empower men to end gender-based violence (GBV), Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced today.

“Ending male violence requires all of us to create a culture where abuse is never tolerated,” said Fontaine. “By offering targeted programming, counselling and other supports, we are helping men and boys develop the skills needed to develop healthier relationships and model caring behaviours for the next generation.”

This funding supports five programs across the province focused on men and boys:

• $25,000 for the Northern Men and Boys Programming through The Pas Family Resource Centre;
• $166,000 for the NorWest Men’s Relationship Program;
• $200,000 for the EmpowerMen Program through Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre;
• $200,000 for the Aboriginal Health and Wellness – Men’s Program; and
• $220,000 for the Inspiring Newcomer Men’s GBV Program through Elmwood Community Resource Centre.

The minister noted the funding announced today is part of a bilateral funding agreement under the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Year two combines over $6.2 million in federal funding with $6.35 million from Manitoba for 19 community initiatives across the province focused on ending gender-based violence.

“The vision for the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence is a Canada free from gender-based violence. And until we address root causes, we cannot hope for change,” said federal Women and Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien. “Both of our governments understand that to achieve this, men across the country must be part of the solution.”

Supported initiatives align with five pillars that include prevention but also supports for survivors and their families, a responsive justice system, implementing Indigenous-led approaches and social infrastructure and enabling environment.

“Creating spaces for men to reflect, connect and redefine masculinity, we break cycles of silence, violence and isolation,” said Nina Condo, executive director, Elmwood Community Resource Centre. “Programs like the Inspiring Newcomer Men’s GBV Program don’t just change lives – they reshape communities, fostering healthier men, stronger families and a future where strength includes vulnerability.”

The Manitoba government has previously announced $250,000 for the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that engages men and boys, and supports communities to respond to gender-based and intimate partner violence.

For more information on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, visit: https://canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intergovernmental-collaboration/national-action-plan-end-gender-based-violence.html.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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