05/29/2026
Women’s shelters in Alberta are facing critical funding reductions.
More than a dozen Alberta women’s shelters have been notified of funding reductions totalling nearly $1 million per year collectively, effective July 1, 2026. Most affected shelters serve rural communities, where rates of intimate partner violence are higher, and women face greater barriers to safety.
This may be a small amount in the provincial budget, but for women and children in crisis, it can mean the difference between safety and danger — even life and death.
The numbers are clear:
• 1.8× higher rates of intimate partner violence in rural communities
• 2.9× more likely for women to be violently killed in rural communities
• 10+ years since Alberta women’s shelters received an operational funding increase
ACWS is calling for:
A delay in implementation to 2027–2028 to allow time for a safe transition and reduce harm.
Release of the funding methodology to ensure transparency and public accountability.
Your MLA needs to hear from you. Add your voice and ask them to advocate for a delay and greater transparency.
Take action and share your voice at ACWS.ca/protect-womens-shelters
