Prince Edward Island is providing $600,000 this year to 32 community organizations for projects focused on diversity, inclusion, and gender-based violence prevention — funding that directly affects how employers and community groups support equity-seeking workers and residents.
The money flows through the Gender, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Program, known as GEDI, which the province launched in 2022. Since then, the program has distributed $2.4 million to more than 56 organizations for 82 projects, according to the province.
Federal dollars in the mix
Of this year’s $600,000 fund, $150,000 comes from the federal government through a bilateral agreement between Canada and Prince Edward Island under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The Interministerial Women’s Secretariat administered that contribution.
What the money supports
Women’s Network PEI is among this year’s recipients. The organization is using its grant to offer self-defence training in what it describes as culturally safe and gender-affirming spaces.
“Women’s Network PEI is excited to learn that our project ‘Community Strength and Safety – Inclusive Self Defense Training’ will be funded through a government grant,” said Rachael Crowder, interim executive director of Women’s Network PEI. “This project is about access, safety, and empowerment. By offering self-defence training in culturally safe and gender-affirming spaces, we are centring communities who are often excluded from these opportunities and helping participants feel more confident.”
What officials are saying
Zack Bell, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, said the program supports broader community leadership goals.
“The province grows stronger when all voices are heard and valued,” Bell said. “The GEDI program continues to play an important role in supporting inclusion and community leadership, with more than thirty organizations advancing equity and fostering stronger community connections across the Island.”
Barb Ramsay, Minister of Social Development and Seniors and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, said the funding targets safety and belonging.
“We are committed to supporting community-led initiatives that strengthen inclusion and belonging across the province,” Ramsay said. “This funding also supports programs that empower women and gender-diverse Islanders, fostering greater safety, connection and opportunity in our communities.”
Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez tied the investment to economic outcomes.
“Preventing gender-based violence starts with strong, inclusive communities,” Valdez said. “Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, the federal government is advancing equity and inclusion, building safer communities, and contributing to a stronger economy across the country. In Prince Edward Island, this funding is strengthening the capacity of community organizations to deliver prevention-focused, community-led initiatives.”
