$100K cut from N.W.T. family violence shelters restored in territorial budget

The Government of the Northwest Territories is reinstating a $100,000 fund that supports training and in-person meetings for shelters and safe homes across the territory. 

The money goes toward bringing together staff at family violence shelters in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Hay River and Fort Smith, as well as safe homes in Fort Simpson and Fort Good Hope — collectively called the N.W.T. Family Violence Shelter Network. The minister for health and social services had previously said those meetings could happen virtually. 

In the legislative assembly Wednesday, Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said that money would be restored in the budget.

Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay is the executive director of the YWCA N.W.T., which runs the network. She says the $100,000 means that shelters and safe homes can properly collaborate to serve their clients without worrying about funding being an obstacle. 

"It gives me such peace and knowing that we can continue this important work," she said. "I'm hoping it will be reinstated and stay for the long run, not just reinstated for one year."

Wawzonek made the announcement to a committee of all MLAs. She said that input from members has also led to more money for housing in the budget. She said the territory will be introducing an additional $41.6 million in the next fiscal year for public housing and $50 million per year, over two years, to modernize and replace aging public housing.  

She said the N.W.T. will also develop a forgiveness policy for elders in public housing who are in arrears.

"I wanted to recognize the work of members in shaping this budget and through collaboration, note that we are making additional strategic investments that reflect the priority of this assembly and the needs of northerners," Wawzonek said.

MLAs have not voted to pass the territory's 2025/26 operating budget. They are expected to do so Thursday before the legislative assembly adjourns until May.