Thunder Bay – Youth dating violence can have long-lasting health and social consequences, including physical injury, mental health impacts, higher-risk of substance use and difficulties in future relationships. The Government of Canada is committed to providing the support to help youth develop and maintain healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, on behalf of Minister Saks, highlighted $980,595, over the next four years, to Lakehead University for programing that focuses on youth dating violence prevention. This project is one of 11 announced on October 17, 2024, providing almost $14.5 million over the next five years, that will promote healthy relationships through the delivery and testing of innovative, evidence-based interventions, as well as training for service providers and educators. These initiatives will help foster safe environments where young people can form positive, healthy relationships free from abuse. By supporting these efforts, we can help reduce the prevalence of dating violence and help provide a safer future for youth living in Canada.
“Young people deserve to grow up in safe, nurturing environments, free from the fear of violence and abuse, especially in their romantic relationships. By supporting these 11 initiatives, we are giving young people across Canada more tools and resources to foster healthy relationships and build a better, safer future for themselves and their communities.” – Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
“University is a big change for young people. And ensuring that they have the supports they need is the first step to set them up for success. When our young people are experiencing a crisis, they need a safe place and safe people to turn to. This funding will help support the students at Lakehead University to make sure they have just that.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and Minister Responsible for FedNor