Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women marked the first anniversary of It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent Gender-Based Violence by celebrating the Government of Canada’s progress towards ending gender-based violence.

"On this first anniversary of Canada's first federal strategy to address and prevent gender-based violence, we acknowledge the courage of all those whose stories have shaped this strategy. We build on the work of those whose tireless efforts over decades filled the gaps the Government of Canada is now filling. There is much work to do, and governments cannot do this alone. We are committed to working with all sectors, genders and generations to end this preventable form of violence."

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women

 

“Gender-based violence is a significant public health issue that can have lasting impacts on both the physical and mental health of survivors and their families. We know that some groups within Canada, including Indigenous women and the LGBTQ2 community, experience gender-based violence at higher rates than others, and we will continue to ensure that our efforts serve these populations. Through support for innovative, community-based programming, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its commitment to ending gender-based violence and supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives and regaining their health.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health

“Women are disproportionately affected by sexual exploitation, harassment and trafficking. Over the past year we have made great strides to end gender-based violence and will continue to do more. I’m proud of the work Public Safety Canada is doing to help implement the Strategy, including by strengthening training and awareness for RCMP employees, continuing an expanded RCMP review of sexual assault investigations, and enhancing measures to protect children from sexual exploitation on the internet. We’re committed to continuing this important work towards gender equality and safety for all Canadians.” 

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

 

“More than half of the newcomers who access settlement services are women. IRCC works with service providers in communities across Canada to ensure that our programming meets their needs. Assisting clients in abusive or vulnerable situations to develop safety plans and build confidence, holding women’s only language classes and support groups that create safe and open spaces, and providing front-line workers with appropriate training are just some of the ways that we are addressing gender-based violence while helping newcomer women on their settlement and integration journey.”

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“National Defence supports the work of Status of Women Canada to action Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, and is committed to the elimination of sexual violence and gender-based violence from within our society. Sexual violence and gender-based violence are pervasive in society and this coordinated strategy implemented government-wide is critical. Through the CAF’s Operation HONOUR and SSE22 – Enhancing Family Crisis Teams, National Defence remains committed. ”

The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, P.C., M.P. Minister of National Defence

• On June 19, 2017, the Government of Canada announced It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence.

• Funded partners under the Strategy include Status of Women Canada; the Public Health Agency of Canada; Public Safety Canada; the Department of National Defence; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

• The Minister’s Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence was established on June 27, 2016. To continue the work involved with the Strategy, Council members were invited to renew their memberships for an additional one-year term.

• In addition to the original $100.9 million, Budget 2018 announced $86 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $20 million per year ongoing, to expand the Strategy. New investments will focus on preventing teen dating violence, enhancing and developing preventative bullying and cyberbullying initiatives, equipping health professionals to provide appropriate care to victims, among other actions. Additionally, Budget 2018 will expand the RCMP sexual assault review and support training and awareness of officers, as well as establish a National Framework to Address Gender-based Violence in Post-Secondary Institutions.

   

Associated links

• Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence
• A Year in Review: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence
• Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence

Célia Canon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
613-862-3270

Valérie Haché
Communications Officer
Status of Women Canada
819-420-8684