Task Force Prepares for Community Engagement With Discussions on Key Violence Prevention Initiatives

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Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-08-31 12:00:36.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Justice, Public Safety, Social Services, Healthcare]

The Task Force to End Gender-Based Violence in Newfoundland and Labrador met on August 25 and 26, 2026, to advance community engagement plans targeting diverse populations, including survivors, Indigenous communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Co-chaired by Stacey Hoffe and overseen by Minister of Women and Gender Equity Lela Evans, the 12-member task force discussed policy areas such as electronic monitoring, emergency protection orders, and post-release supports for incarcerated individuals in Labrador. The task force also received updates from various provincial bodies—including the Department of Social Supports and Well-Being, the Department of Health and Community Services regarding the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, and the Department of Justice and Public Safety regarding the Policing Transformation Working Group report—ahead of delivering its first public report in fall 2026.

New Affordable Housing Coming to Leamington

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Date: 2026-08-28 18:30:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Municipal, Housing, Affordability, Social Services, Infrastructure]

The Governments of Canada and Ontario announced nearly $3 million in funding—specifically $2,919,397 through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and $1,858,000 from the federal Rapid Housing Initiative—to construct 18 new affordable housing units at 310 Sherk Street in the Municipality of Leamington. The project forms part of the Tiny Home Community Initiative at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre site, which consists of a total of 50 mixed-income units, including 12 units designed to be accessible for youth, adults, seniors, low-income workers, and individuals facing addiction challenges. The funding supports broader regional housing objectives involving the Municipality of Leamington and the City of Windsor to expand vulnerable resident support services.

Province Funds 20 New Sober Living Spaces in Lloydminster

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-08-27 21:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Healthcare, Social Services, Housing]

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $225,000 in annual funding to Oxford House Saskatchewan to establish 20 new second-stage sober living spaces in Lloydminster, distributed across four residential homes. Client intake for 15 of the spaces began in mid-August 2026, with the remaining five spaces scheduled to open in mid-September 2026. This initiative contributes to the provincial goal of adding 500 addictions recovery spaces under the Saskatchewan Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, backed by a record $674 million investment in the 2026-27 Provincial Budget.

N.S. government changes income assistance rules to exclude people living in tents

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-08-27 12:01:07.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Housing, Social Services, Affordability, Governance]

The Nova Scotia provincial government, acting on the recommendation of Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, introduced regulatory changes via an order-in-council to exclude unhoused individuals living in tents from receiving enhanced income assistance rates. The regulatory amendments replace the term "accommodation" with "lives in a home" and narrow the definition of "home" to self-employed units, rented spaces, lodging houses, or single-occupancy rooms. This policy change directly overturns an August 5, 2026 Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the late Bradley Lowe, which had established that individuals living in tents were eligible for enhanced disability and income support. Human rights lawyer Vince Calderhead criticized the policy as forcing vulnerable individuals deeper into poverty, while the department stated the changes provide clearer administrative direction.

Ontario Safer and Vital Communities Grant

Source: Ontario - Ministry of the Solicitor General
Date: 2026-08-25 17:00:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Public Safety, Justice, Social Services]

The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General is investing more than $1.7 million through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant over a two-year period to help 18 community-based, not-for-profit organizations protect communities from hate and violence. The funding recipients include Beth Ezekiel Synagogue ($92,806), The Regional Diversity Roundtable ($98,975), Malton Women Council ($75,807), Victim Services Toronto ($101,750), Lanark County Community Justice Program ($85,815), Building Multicultural Communities ($95,113), Reena Inc. ($101,750), STEPS Public Art ($101,230), Victim Services of Waterloo Region ($101,750), New Canadians Centre Peterborough ($100,936), Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto ($96,668), Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration ($100,733), Canadian Mental Health Association - North Bay ($101,750), Community Justice Initiatives of Waterloo Region ($97,754), Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre ($96,525), Family Service Kent ($101,750), Camp Northland ($60,230), and the Jewish Russian Community Centre of Greater Toronto ($97,850). These grants are specifically targeted toward preventing hate-motivated crimes across the province.

Ontario Investing $4.8 Million to Protect and Train Workers in Simcoe and Surrounding Area

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Date: 2026-08-25 15:00:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Labour, Economy, Agriculture, Healthcare, Social Services]

The Ontario government is investing over $4.8 million through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream across three projects in Simcoe and surrounding areas to train 400 workers and jobseekers for careers in skilled trades, agriculture, and long-term care. Blue Door Support Service is receiving $3,637,864 to help 200 vulnerable, unemployed, and unhoused jobseekers in York, Durham, and Peel regions through its Construct program. Botree Inc. is receiving $813,700 to train 125 women and underrepresented groups for frontline healthcare roles in long-term care facilities. The Karma Project Community Food Co-Operative Inc. is receiving $417,000 to provide 75 at-risk youth with technical training and mentorship for agricultural careers.