Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women reaffirmed their strong commitment to gender equality at their 39th annual meeting co-chaired by the Honourable Marci Ien of the Government of Canada and the Honourable Laura Ross of the Government of Saskatchewan.
During the virtual meeting, the FPT Ministers discussed the importance of their work to advance gender equality and the development of responsive and inclusive initiatives reflective of Canada's diversity. Ministers also focused on women's leadership, as well as their economic and democratic participation, while taking into consideration COVID-19 impacts. The Ministers also shared best practices in their respective jurisdictions.
Ministers also recognized the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, including seeing an increase in gender-based violence. They highlighted their actions and spoke to the supports and services in respective jurisdictions being provided to those experiencing violence, particularly Indigenous women, racialized women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, those living with disabilities or in poverty, sex workers, and others who are disproportionately targeted with violence or facing challenges to accessing care.
Over the past year, the parties worked collaboratively on initiatives focused on advancing gender equality, including signing the Joint Declaration for a Canada Free of Gender-Based Violence. The FPT Ministers agreed to continue their commitment and collaboration to advance towards a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.*
The FPT event was preceded by a separate meeting between the FPT Ministers, the Honourable Marc Miller, of the Government of Canada, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, as well as the National Indigenous Leaders and Representatives. The meeting included discussions on addressing gender-based violence, leadership, and economic reconciliation.
The next annual meeting of the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women will be hosted by Nova Scotia in the fall of 2022.
*Québec stated that:
While Québec supports the general principles of both the joint declaration and the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it cannot join, as it intends to preserve full responsibility in this area within its territory. Québec expects to receive its fair share of federal funds, within the scope of an agreement that respects its autonomy, to support the programs, services, and initiatives that it puts into place on its territory to bring an end to gender-based violence. It will continue to share information and best practices with other governments on this issue.
