LSAS receives government funding

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The Alberta government is providing $4.2M to support victims of sexual violence, including a $219,370 grant to Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services (LSAS).

A $3.8-million investment will help address the wait-lists at 13 sexual assault centres across Alberta. Another $400,000 will help expand a new service model to provide survivors who are waiting for services with resources, supports and information to address their individual needs and situation.

“I have spent time meeting with organizations and am glad to see that this funding is being used to address the immediate concerns of counselling wait-lists,” said Tanya Fir, parliamentary secretary for Status of Women. “It is critical that when somebody reaches out, help is available. Our government’s response to this concern is ensuring that sexual assault survivors across the province can get the support they need and deserve.”

Alberta’s network of sexual assault centres provides essential services to children, youth, adults and seniors regardless of gender, including counselling, police and court support, as well as programs to prevent sexual violence in both rural and urban communities across the province.

Since 2021, Alberta’s government has expanded government-funded services in Hinton, Edson, Jasper, Yellowhead County and Grande Cache, Wabasca, Smoky Lake and Metis Settlements and First Nations. This funding is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat sexual assault and promote a culture of healthy relationships built on consent and respect.

Approved grants include

· $140,170 to Association of Communities Against Abuse, Stettler

· $630,770 to Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse Society, Calgary

· $96,170 to Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, Red Deer

· $52,170 to Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre, Bonnyville

· $23,570 to Hinton Friendship Centre Society, Hinton

· $219,370 to Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services, Lloydminster

· $120,370 to Providing Assistance, Counselling, Education (PACE), Grande Prairie

· $166,570 to SAFFRON Centre Ltd., Sherwood Park

· $1,853,960 to Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, Edmonton

· $96,170 to Sanare Centre (Southeastern Alberta Sexual Assault Response Committee), Medicine Hat

· $148,970 to Waypoints Community Services Association, Fort McMurray