November 26, 2018
Manitoba Helps Support Victims with Investment in Candace House
– – –Province to Invest $587,300 in Victims Services Programs This Year: Cullen
The Manitoba government is investing $55,000 this year to support Candace House and the services it provides to families of victims going through the criminal justice system, complementing another $532,300 to support victims throughout the province, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today at the organization’s grand opening.
“For families who have lost a loved one, having to navigate the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting,” said Cullen. “For them, Candace House will be a refuge, a safe space to access resources and find compassionate support. Our government is proud to be a partner with Candace House as they officially open their doors today.”
Manitoba’s investment in Candace House includes $25,000 for construction costs at their location on Kennedy Street in Winnipeg. Another $30,000 will be invested in programs offered to families.
Candace House is the fulfilment of a dream by Wilma and Cliff Derksen, who have become strong advocates for victims after losing their daughter, Candace, to homicide. In addition to providing a safe, comfortable place as cases are proceeding through court, Candace House also helps connect victims and their loved ones to services and resources, with plans to offer educational workshops and group support sessions in the future.
“The support Candace House received was used to transform what was an empty, commercial space into a safe and comforting home-like day refuge,” said Cecilly Hildebrand, executive director of Candace House. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership and funding commitment from the Manitoba government.”
In addition to support for Candace House, the Manitoba government is also investing over $357,000 for various victim supports in Winnipeg. This is complemented by investments of nearly $145,000 in programs in rural and northern Manitoba this year, including:
• the Thompson Bereavement Support Group for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, through Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre Inc. ($30,000);
• information, assistance and support throughout the criminal justice process for victims of crime in the Brandon and Westman regions, provided through Brandon Police Service ($30,000);
• emotional support, court accompaniment and other assistance for victims of crime living in the Pembina Valley region, through Pembina Valley Victims Services ($20,000);
• a drop-in program, phone line and crisis services for victims of sexual assault in eastern Manitoba including Oakbank, Beausejour, Pinawa, La du Bonnet and Powerview-Pine Falls, offered through the Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre ($25,000); and
• up to $40,000 to cover travel costs for family members of homicide victims to attend sentencing hearings.
“Our government is putting victims first in our criminal justice system,” said Cullen. “These investments will ensure that victims and their families are supported during the most difficult time in their lives.”
For more information on Candace House, visit www.candacehouse.ca. For more information on Manitoba’s victims services programs, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice.
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