In May 2026, the Government of Alberta announced significant funding reductions for women’s shelters across the province, most of them in rural and remote areas. While this announcement included important investment in shelter infrastructure and funding increases for many organizations, the uneven distribution left more than a dozen shelters with net decreases to operational funding. Our member shelters raised the alarm, saying these cuts would result in lost jobs, bed closures, and fewer survivors receiving the support they need.
We asked Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, to pause these cuts and to publicly share the funding methodology that led to them. We also asked you to add your voice to the cause by sending a letter to your local MLA.
You showed up in a big way.
Nearly 500 letters calling for a delay to the cuts and transparency on funding decisions were sent to 78 MLAs through our campaign webpage. Our message was shared thousands of times across all social media platforms by caring supporters. Our Executive Director’s podcast appearance discussing the cuts went viral.
From Pincher Creek to Fort McMurray, Albertans took up our cause to protect women’s shelters.
Thank you for supporting rural shelters.
Thank you for protecting women and children facing abuse.
Thank you for standing with us.
The fight isn’t over yet. We will continue to advocate for sustainable, equitable funding so every survivor—regardless of their postal code—has access to safety and support. You’ve shown us what’s possible when Albertans stand up and speak out together.
Stay close—we’re not done yet.
