Sophia House says budget for second-stage shelters 'positive first step,' NDP calls for more funding

The Saskatchewan government's 2023/24 budget — released Wednesday — included a three-year commitment to fund second-stage shelter supports for survivors of interpersonal violence.

Wording in the budget indicated that the $876,000 over three years would be devoted to the expansion of counselling services in second-stage shelters. However, Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre told CBC on Wednesday that the funding could be used for operational costs shelters need to get to the second stage. 

"Operational in the context of second-stage is really for that intervention and consultation component. And so really what we're seeing is a three-year pilot for facilities that are doing those things now and can build on what they're doing in the first-stage phase," Eyre said.

Second-stage shelters feature security doors, video surveillance and bulletproof windows, protecting women while they receive counselling for issues such as poverty, and support to become independent. Women and their children can stay in these facilities for a year or more.

The minister said the government landed on $876,000 based on what shelters were already second-stage and which were ready to shift to second-stage. The amount of funding allocated to shelters is based on how many units or beds are currently possible or present in these facilities. 

"We wanted to be able to hit the ground running with facilities that are already operating and in a position where they can offer this right away."

The minister said introducing the emergency intervention phase at shelters is needed to become second-stage.

"It provides that stability most of all for clients and their children to stay in a stable environment, and have access to intervention and consulting services that help them make that transition."

Saskatchewan has had the highest rate of intimate partner violence — especially against female victims — reported to police among the Canadian provinces since at least 2019, Statistics Canada data shows.

The territories, which have much smaller populations, report higher rates, but thousands fewer victims, data shows.

Up until now, Saskatchewan was one of the few provinces that didn't fund second-stage shelters.

Tmira Marchment, executive director of the Regina women's second-stage shelter Sophia House, said the money put aside in the budget for these shelters is great news.

"We have been advocating for any operational funding for years now. So to see that it's being included in the budget this year is a really positive first step," Marchment said.

Sophia House has previously operated mainly on grants, donations and contributions from the community.