Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS) Welcomes Federal Commitment to Strengthen Action on Gender-Based Violence
Making a ChangeFor Immediate Release: Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS) Welcomes Federal Commitment to Strengthen Action on Gender-Based Violence
October 30, 2025 (Regina, SK) – Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS) welcomes yesterday’s federal budget announcement by the Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), reaffirming the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) and strengthening supports for survivors across the country.
The 2025 federal budget commits $223.4 million over five years, beginning in 2026–27, with $44.7 million in ongoing funding, to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This represents a significant shift toward sustained direct federal funding for frontline GBV organizations, including sexual assault centres and crisis services nationwide.
“These investments signal a renewed federal commitment to advancing gender justice and survivor-centred supports after several years of declining funding across women’s and GBV programs,” said Kerrie Isaac, Executive Director of SASS. “While this announcement begins to partially close the national funding gap for community-based and Indigenous-led GBV services, we will be watching closely for clarity on the scope, eligibility, and allocation mechanisms once the federal budget is tabled.”
For SASS and its network of 17 member agencies across Saskatchewan, this announcement represents both hope and opportunity. Sustained federal investment could enhance the stability of sexual assault centres, strengthen access to services in rural, northern, and Indigenous communities, and promote coordinated, trauma-informed responses across the province.
“As provincial agreements under the National Action Plan conclude in 2027, we will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure survivors and communities are not left behind,” Isaac added. “This is a pivotal moment to reimagine how we fund and sustain frontline sexual violence services, not as temporary projects, but as essential, life-saving infrastructure.”
SASS remains committed to working in partnership with WAGE, the Government of Saskatchewan, Indigenous leaders, and community partners to advance a coordinated, equitable, and survivor-centred response to sexual violence in Saskatchewan and beyond.
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For More Information:
Tal Marsolais
Communications and Community Outreach Specialist
Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS)
306.757.1941
SASS is a provincial non-profit organization that works collectively with front-line agencies, community partners, and governments that provide support and advocacy for those affected by sexual violence in Saskatchewan.