Update July 15, 2026
True North received notice in May 2026 of a reduction in government funding, with the changes set to take effect in July. In response, we acted quickly to adjust our staffing plans, budgets, and operations to ensure we remained financially responsible while continuing to provide essential services to those seeking safety and support.
Since the announcement, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters and its collective of member shelters have worked diligently to help the Government of Alberta understand the critical role domestic violence shelters play and the significant impact these funding reductions would have on communities across the province.
As a result of this advocacy, and the incredible efforts of concerned Albertans, we have been informed by the Government of Alberta that the planned funding reduction will now be delayed until April 1, 2027. Instead, transition funding will be provided this year to bridge the funding gap until the proposed reduction takes effect.
To our community: thank you.
We are deeply grateful for the advocacy of our community, the unwavering support of our staff and Board of Directors, and the leadership of our local MLA, Chantelle de Jonge, who strongly advocated on behalf of True North, domestic violence services, and most importantly, survivors. We also thank the Government of Alberta for listening and for recognizing the importance of prioritizing safety and supports for survivors and their children.
While this is not a permanent solution, it provides important stability and allows us to continue engaging with government officials while exploring additional funding opportunities through the new Emergency Family Violence Services Grant Program.
Our focus remains on providing consistent, sustainable services while avoiding further disruption for our staff and the individuals and families we serve. True North will continue to evaluate our operations and respond to evolving community needs to ensure our services remain effective, sustainable, and fiscally responsible. We are here and available to support, 24/7.
We remain steadfast in our mission to empower those impacted by family violence to help create a safe environment for all. One where individuals and families can heal and thrive.
“Every Albertan experiencing family violence deserves access to safety and support, regardless of where they live. We are encouraged by today’s announcement and the commitment to both short-term stability and long-term investment in Alberta’s shelter sector. Together, these investments will help strengthen services today and support the sector’s ability to continue to meet the needs of women, children, and families into the future.” Catherine Champagne, executive director, Alberta Council of Women Shelters.
You may have seen the news…
On May 19th, the Alberta Government unexpectedly announced funding changes to many of Alberta’s domestic violence shelters. True North is saddened to be one of the many rural shelters to receive a decrease. For True North, this totals $70,000 in reduced core funding to take affect July 2026.
Without consistent, sustainable funding for over 10 years, many rural shelters have operated while facing growing demand and increasingly complex client needs. This funding reduction creates additional challenges as True North works to strengthen and expand services in alignment with Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence.
Please know, we are still here.
We are not closing. We are not going anywhere.
What is changing is the pressure we are operating under.
Domestic violence is a public safety issue. The gender-related homicide rate in rural Canada is 2.5 times as high in urban areas (ACWS). Survivors in rural communities face unique and heightened risks due to physical isolation, limited transportation options, and barriers to leaving, such as caring for livestock and fewer nearby services.
As domestic violence becomes increasingly complex, Alberta’s shelters are being asked to do more with funding that has not kept pace with growing demand.
So, what’s our plan?
Over the coming weeks, the True North team and Board of Directors will meet to make important decisions about how we will move forward in the face of these funding changes without compromising the care and services we provide.
Looking ahead,
We will
- bolster and continue to explore grant & foundation opportunities for diverse funding streams.
- continue to meet with our service partners and identify options for further collaboration, resource & knowledge sharing, and mutual program support.
- continue to explore awareness events that provide our community ways to connect, have fun, and make memories, while providing business & organizations’ unique brand recognition and community engagement, all while raising funds for our important programs & services!
You can help!
Contact your MLA
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- Advocate for shelter funding; express to your MLA the importance of domestic violence shelters, especially in rural communities.
- Advocate for a delay in this funding change, so Alberta’s shelters can prepare for this funding change and minimize its impact on survivors.
- See ACWS’ website for further information.
Share Our Message
Share freely who we are, what we do, and how we can help. Increasing awareness of domestic violence supports not only helps break down the stigma of violence, but it also helps connect survivors to supports they may not know exist. Sharing our message conveys to all levels of government that Alberta cares about survivors, Alberta cares about shelters, and Alberta cares about ending violence in our communities.
Join a True North Fundraiser
Attend a True North fundraising event: enjoy time with your community while helping us continue providing critical services for survivors. Join our June Golf Tournament and July Sips & Sunsets outdoor, live music & wine tasting event.
Save the date for our upcoming 2026 Hollywood Inspired Gala on November 7th!
Donate
Consider making a charitable gift directly to your local shelter. Every donation helps us continue providing safety, support, and hope to those who need it most.
All donations over $20 qualify for a charitable tax receipt – even donations of Wish List items with a submission of a receipt!
Now more than ever, Survivors in rural communities need your support.
Every donation, every event registration, every shared post, and every voice raised in support sends a clear message: True North matters, and the services we provide are essential to our community.
Thank you for standing with True North and all shelters across the Province of Alberta.