Nearly $50M to Help Survivors of Violence Afford Housing in Quebec
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Canada and Quebec announced a new agreement on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, providing nearly $50 million in federal funding over two years to help survivors of gender-based violence, including family and intimate partner violence, access and maintain safe rental housing.
Quebec will deliver the assistance to eligible households through its Rent Supplement Program. Under the program, eligible low-income tenants generally pay rent equal to 25 per cent of their household income, while the program covers the approved difference.
The new funding is aimed at people trying to leave unsafe living situations or establish stable housing after experiencing violence. The cost of housing can be one of the practical barriers preventing survivors from leaving an abusive partner or household, making longer-term rental assistance an important part of rebuilding independence.
The measure is part of an expansion of the Canada Housing Benefit for survivors of gender-based violence. The federal government had previously committed an additional $315.4 million over seven years to provide housing assistance for low-income women and children leaving violent situations.
Quebec already offers other protections for people experiencing spousal or sexual violence, including provisions that can allow eligible tenants to terminate a lease and receive emergency financial assistance to leave a dangerous environment. The new agreement focuses on what happens after that initial move by helping eligible households afford stable housing.
The significance of the agreement lies in linking protection from violence with housing security. Finding a safe place to live does not erase the effects of abuse, but stable and affordable housing can give survivors greater independence and a stronger foundation for rebuilding their lives.
