Families Minister Rochelle Squires, the minister responsible for the status of women, and Economic Development, Investment, and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen have announced that the province will be investing $450,000 toward alleviating staff shortages in family violence and homeless shelters.

The Manitoba Status of Women Secretariat has agreed to a one-year agreement with the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) to help deliver this program to 30 participants throughout Manitoba. The program will look to fix any recruitment and retention challenges for shelters in the province.

"All Manitobans deserve access to a safe place to stay," says Squires. "As noted in our November 2021 speech from the throne, our government recognizes the need for increased funding for family violence shelters and other key supports. We are also committed to developing a homelessness strategy."

MAWS will focus on providing wrap-around support for students while also managing the administration of the program. According to some agency statistics, these shelters have been facing unprecedented staffing challenges, which were then intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During the pandemic, Manitoba along with other Canadian jurisdictions experienced first-hand the efficacy of micro-credential programs in alleviating workforce shortages and addressing training needs amongst staff," notes Cullen. "Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, and Trade is committed to supporting training and employment programs that encourage post-COVID economic growth. Funding for these programs is made possible through the Canada-Manitoba Workforce Development Agreement."

To read the full press release from the government of Manitoba, click here.