Opposition criticizes delay in N.S. funding for transition houses

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Nova Scotia’s opposition says the province took too long to provide essential funding to organizations combatting gender-based violence.

The provincial government announced Friday that it will provide $23 million in funding for transition houses that offer temporary shelter for women and children fleeing family violence.

The government says the funding is aimed at addressing an epidemic of intimate partner violence.

But Nova Scotia’s New Democrats say the need for this funding has been clear for years and only came after significant pressure from frontline organizations.

NDP status of women critic Susan Leblanc says the province should have acted sooner, when the Mass Casualty Commission and survivors first called for the support.

“We know that more is required to address the underlying issues and support those working to remove themselves from violence,” Leblanc said in a statement. “We need to ensure survivors of gender-based violence are supported through truly affordable housing options and mental health resources. We will continue this vital and urgent work toward a better future for survivors of gender-based violence across the province.”

Premier Tim Houston says the new funding is the direct result of a meeting he attended in January with a coalition of women’s support groups.