Province Calls for Applications for Ministers’ Table on Gender-Based Violence

Nova Scotians with personal, professional or community-based experience in addressing gender-based violence can apply to join the new Ministers’ table on gender-based violence.

Led by Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the table will bring together up to 25 community members to advise the government on approaches to prevent gender-based violence and support people affected.

“This is an opportunity to bring voices together from across the province, especially those on the front lines and those with lived experience,” said Minister Druhan. “When we listen directly to those doing the work and living the realities, we can better identify and take actions that lead to real change.”

The table is part of the Province’s broader response to gender-based and intimate partner violence. It will meet at least four times a year and reflects a government-wide whole-of-society approach to prevention and response.

The table will work with representatives from L’nu Affairs, African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, and the departments of Opportunities and Social Development, Health and Wellness, and Education and Early Childhood Development.

Quotes:

“We’re not starting from scratch. Advocates, professionals and service providers have been doing this work for years in communities across Nova Scotia. Their input and expertise will not only guide government’s efforts, but also how we work together to advance real, lasting change for victims, survivors and communities.”
— Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Quick Facts:

• the 2025-26 provincial budget includes more than $100 million to address gender-based and intimate partner violence, including $17.8 million in core funding for transition houses and women’s centres – the highest core funding ever provided and the largest increase in the past two decades
• changes to the Labour Standards Code allow victims of domestic violence to take leave from work without fear of losing their jobs; five of those days are paid
• domestic violence court programs are operating in Halifax and Sydney

Additional Resources:

Information about the table and applying to become a table member: https://novascotia.ca/ministers-table-gender-based-violence/

Domestic violence resources: https://women.novascotia.ca/domestic-violence-resource-centre

News release – Province Strikes Engagement Table to Address Gender-Based Violence: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/10/province-strikes-engagement-table-address-gender-based-violence