Members Named to Ministers’ Table on Gender-Based Violence

Twenty-five Nova Scotians have been named to the new Ministers’ table on gender-based violence to work with the government on prevention and better supporting those affected.

“The Ministers’ table is an opportunity for meaningful engagement between government and community on gender-based violence,” said Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. “Each member represents a diverse viewpoint from across the province, including the women-serving sector and people with lived experience, and will help inform not only government’s work, but work happening across the province, to ensure a more effective path forward.”

The list of appointees and more information on the Ministers’ table on gender-based violence is available at: https://novascotia.ca/ministers-table-gender-based-violence/

Since declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic in 2024, the Province has taken a whole-of-government approach, invested in prevention, expanded supports and resources, and strengthened partnerships with community organizations and survivors.

An independent facilitator will help guide the work of the table. It will be co-chaired by Minister Martin and Scott Armstrong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, with representatives from L’nu Affairs; African Nova Scotian Affairs; the departments of Opportunities and Social Development, Health and Wellness, and Education and Early Childhood Development; and the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism and the Accessibility Directorate will also have a supporting role.

Its first meeting will take place in late November, coinciding with the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – an annual international campaign aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the elimination of gender-based violence.

Quotes:

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who applied to be part of this important work. The level of response shows how much people across Nova Scotia want to be a part of the solution.”
— Scott Armstrong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice

Quick Facts:

• more than 260 Nova Scotians applied to join the table
• the table supports the Province’s whole-of-government approach to achieve the systemic, operational and legislative changes outlined in the final reports of the Mass Casualty Commission and the Desmond Fatality Inquiry

Additional Resources:

News release – Province Calls For Applications for Ministers’ Table on Gender Based Violence: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/07/province-calls-applications-ministers-table-gender-based-violence

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/16-days.html