Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, but gender‑based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada are committed to preventing and addressing it.
Today, on behalf of the Federal, Provincial, Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and federal co-chair, is joined by the Honourable Karla MacFarlane, Nova Scotia's Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act, and provincial co-chair, to announce a historic milestone - the endorsement of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
The endorsement of a 10-year National Action Plan to End GBV is a concrete step fulfilling a long-standing commitment of FPT governments to working together towards a Canada free of GBV, a Canada that supports victims/survivors and their families from coast to coast to coast. The National Action Plan sets a framework for anyone facing GBV to have reliable and timely access to protection and services, no matter where they live. The five pillars of the National Action Plan are: Support for victims, survivors and their families; Prevention; Responsive justice system; Implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and Social infrastructure and enabling environment.
The National Action Plan was made possible through close collaboration between FPT governments and is informed by engagement with Indigenous partners, victims, survivors, front-line service providers, GBV experts, academics and advocates.
The work to end GBV and achieve gender equality in Canada is far from done. With the adequate supports and services, victims and survivors of GBV are able to fully participate in the economic, social and political aspects of society. FPT governments - in partnership with victims, survivors, Indigenous partners, civil society, frontline service providers, municipalities, and the private sector - will continue working together to implement the National Action Plan in a way that responds to the evolving needs of and emerging issues for survivors and victims of GBV.
Note: Gender-based violence is a priority for the Government of Québec, which has invested significant funds to end violence against women. However, although it supports the overall objectives of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Government of Québec cannot adhere to it because it intends to retain its full responsibility in this area on its territory. Through an agreement that respects its autonomy, the Government of Québec expects to receive its fair share of federal funding to support the programs, initiatives, and services to end gender-based violence that it puts in place based on the needs of its territory.
