Remarks to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance about Bill S-233

October 8, 2024

Good morning everyone and thank you for inviting me today.

We are on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabeg Algonquin people. On the recent Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we came together to honour the enduring presence and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Communities. Call for Justice 4.5Footnote 1  and 16.20Footnote 2  of the final report from the MMIWG National Inquiry call on the Government of Canada to establish a guaranteed annual livable income. I am happy to be here to see how Canada will honour its commitment to reconciliation.

The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime is an independent resource for victims and survivors in Canada. We are a federal agency operating at arms-length from the Department of Justice and reporting directly to the Minister as a Special Advisor. Part of our mandate is to ensure that policymakers are aware of systemic issues that negatively affect victims and survivors of crime, and that the Government understands its obligations under the quasi-constitutional provisions of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR).

Intimate Partner Violence is an epidemic in Canada. I am going to read a quote from a survivor who was part of a study with my research team prior to my appointment as Ombud in 2022.

I left an abusive relationship. I couldn’t leave the kids [at home] safely - I stopped working. My husband tried to kill me. I had to find a way to get out while keeping the kids safe and getting them out too. I did everything to keep them safe, including leaving EVERYTHING behind. We left with the clothing on our backs. I wasn’t even clothed properly because I wasn’t allowed access to proper clothing. My husband left me with 14 cents.

You have cupboards to put your food in, and I keep mine tucked and hidden in my vehicle with my kids. We went to eating once a day. Kids always had food. I went without, but they always had at least one meal a day. My vehicle has been ticketed so much.

 .…because I had the courage and strength to say enough is enough.

People of all genders experience partner violence, but women are disproportionately affected. In Canada, more than 100,000 women experience partner violence every year.Footnote 3  Indigenous womenFootnote 4  and women with disabilitiesFootnote 5  are at higher risk because of systemic inequality. Many survivors experience a concussion or traumatic brain injury, which can complicate and extend recovery.Footnote 6  Intimate partner violence disproportionately pulls women out of the workforce. Many have to start their lives over without access to the resources they need to secure first and last month’s rent, buy new clothes for themselves and their children, toys, technology, food, school supplies, furniture, transportation, and to pay legal fees for ongoing child custody battles in family court.

Our Office recently received a complaint from a survivor who experienced coercive and controlling behaviour – her partner lied to police and social services and took their children. Her primary income was the Canada Child Benefit. She now owes $1000s to Revenue Canada because she received the benefit without having access to her children.

In 2021, a study by the Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) found that 95% of the victim-survivors in their sample had experienced economic abuse and financial manipulation from their partner. Many abusers acquired debts in their partner’s name to limit the credit score they would need if they escaped.Footnote 7

The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR) guarantees victims of crime a right to protection from intimidation and retaliation. We have to do better. We have to take action to prevent femicide, support gender equity, and help people who have to start over because of violence.

I believe we owe it to victims and survivors to develop a framework that will guarantee financial independence, safety, and dignity. I recommend that the framework be developed in consultation with people who will access the benefit.

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