Alberta is launching a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at combating gender-based violence, featuring over 100 actions designed to prevent violence and support survivors. The initiative was announced by Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir, who emphasized the goal of creating a future where gender-based violence is rare and, when it does occur, does not repeat.
Key Highlights of the Strategy
-
Comprehensive Approach: This strategy is touted as the most extensive of its kind in Canada. Fir stated, “We know that we can do better. We know that we must do better.”
-
Community Engagement: The strategy was developed following surveys with 1,192 Albertans and consultations with 500 individuals and organizations in 2023. Fir noted the alarming number of people who reported experiencing or witnessing abuse during their childhood or young adulthood.
-
Proactive Measures: Albertans expressed a desire for government action to proactively prevent violence. Fir highlighted the need for educational programs and support systems.
Key Actions Included in the Plan
-
Education Programs: Initiatives aimed at men and boys to promote healthy relationships.
-
Support for Indigenous Initiatives: Increased funding for Indigenous-led programs focused on enhancing safety for Indigenous women.
-
Economic Empowerment: Financial assistance for low-income mothers pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training while caring for young children.
-
Mental Health Services: Improved access to mental health resources for victims.
-
Data Collection: Enhanced data collection regarding domestic homicides to inform future actions.
-
Dedicated Office: Establishment of a new office within Alberta Health Services to specifically address intimate partner violence against women.
-
Shelter Funding: Expansion of funding for shelters, particularly in rural areas where wait times are often long.
-
Support for All Victims: Funding to ensure that all victims, regardless of immigration status, can access help.
-
Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to increase awareness about consent, sexual assault, human trafficking, and various forms of abuse.
-
Collaboration Across Sectors: Working closely with various stakeholders, including government levels, non-profits, community groups, and healthcare professionals.
Funding Announcement
Minister Fir also announced a commitment of $20 million over four years to support various programs, including:
- Grants, scholarships, and fellowships
- Research grants and seed money for startups
- Business loans and mentorship programs
- Workshops, webinars, and networking events
- Job fairs and professional development opportunities
This strategy represents a significant step towards addressing and preventing gender-based violence in Alberta, with a focus on community involvement and comprehensive support systems for survivors.
I’m Mark W. Lamplugh Jr., a visionary Chief Executive Officer, Board Member, and best-selling Author with over 25 years of experience driving significant revenue growth and optimizing ROI across the healthcare, wellness, and media industries. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently transformed underperforming operations into thriving ventures by building top-tier marketing organizations, implementing data-driven strategies, and leading transformational change. My empathetic, collaborative, and adaptable leadership style has allowed me to cultivate inclusive cultures of innovation, develop and retain top talent, and forge strong partnerships that fuel organizational success.
Adept in executive leadership, strategic business planning, and brand and marketing strategy, I have a proven track record of boosting annual revenues—achieving up to $1.3B in oncology over three years and generating $360M in mental health initiatives. My approach combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, as evidenced by my success in launching innovative facilities, expanding services for addiction and mental health care, and enhancing organizational brand visibility. As author of “The AI Marketing Playbook,” I contribute thought leadership on the integration of artificial intelligence in marketing, a role that showcases my commitment to staying at the forefront of industry innovation.
I also bring my insights and expertise to a broad audience as the host of cable tv & global streaming of “Street Level Marketing Show,” while my writing has been featured in major publications such as Entrepreneur, Business.com, The Startup, and Kivo Daily. Whether I’m implementing targeted digital marketing campaigns that engage over a million individuals monthly or overseeing multi-million dollar budgets to maximize return on investment, I approach every challenge with a combination of strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and unwavering dedication. Above all, I am passionate about expanding access to high-quality addiction and mental health care through innovative solutions that drive both patient outcomes and organizational growth.
Mark serves on the board of One World for Life, National Fire Heritage Center, and the Institute for Responder Wellness.
Mark (https://marklamplugh.com) is one of the top marketing executives in the United States and has revolutionized how companies reach potential clients thru influence, SEO, social, PR, and traditional marketing. His expertise in Marketing, Social Media, Digital Marketing, and Public Relations has generated millions of dollars in revenue for several national companies. Mark documents many of his techniques in his book “Beginners Guide to Social & Digital Media.” and “Marketing Playbook for Social Media,” which was named the top 100 social media marketing books of all time by Book Authority. He’s also a professional advocate for the behavioral and mental health of firefighters and other first responders. Marks articles have been published in Better Marketing, Startup Magazine, Social Media Today, Kivo Daily, Biz Catalyst 360, Fire Engineering, Firehouse Magazine, and several others.
One of his companies, niches, are marketing products and services to the public safety industry and their employees, specifically mental & behavioral health services. He can be reached for comment at ceo@influencemediasolutions.com
23,000 #1 Connections, 40,000,000 US B2B Contacts and 300,000,000 B2b/B2C email contacts as well as 1,000,000+ monthly social media reach. https://marklamplugh.com
