Native Women’s Association forced to lay off half its staff amid funding shortfall

OTTAWA — The Native Women’s Association of Canada says it was forced to lay off roughly half its workforce due to a major shortfall in federal funding.

The advocacy organization says it received grants totalling $48 million last year as part of Canada’s national apprenticeship program and other initiatives.

This year, revenue dropped to $10 million, with funding for staff falling from $11 million to $3 million.

As a result, the organization says it was forced to lay off 75 contract and permanent staff members, roughly half its workforce.