Minister’s Statement on Continuation of National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

NOTE: The following is a statement from Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, in response to Women and Gender Equality Canada’s announcement to renew the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, today, July 16.

Gender-based violence continues to affect far too many individuals, families, and communities in Nova Scotia and across Canada. Ending it requires strong partnerships and co-ordinated action across all levels of government.

As Minister responsible for the Status of Women Office, I know there is nothing more important than ensuring people can live safely and free from violence. As a woman and a mother, I also understand how fundamental it is to feel safe and know your loved ones are safe. That’s why I am pleased to see the Government of Canada’s announcement of $607 million over four years to advance the next phase of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. This investment builds on the original $593-million commitment.

In Nova Scotia, the national action plan has played a critical role in helping us to strengthen our response to gender-based violence. It has supported prevention efforts, helped to improve access to services, and enhanced supports for victims and survivors, as well as their families.

The continuation of federal funding recognizes the progress that has been made and provides the stability needed to build on that momentum. It will help ensure community organizations can continue delivering critical programs and services while we work together to address the root causes of gender-based violence.

Over the last three years, initiatives led by community organizations through the national action plan have had a substantial impact, including:

• supporting more than 25 multi-year projects and 12 one-time grants across Nova Scotia
• reaching more than 15,800 people through prevention initiatives
• increasing collaboration across the sector, with partnerships growing by 178 per cent over three years
• supporting 23,683 people through projects funded under the national action plan.

While progress has been made, we know that there is still more to do. We remain committed to working with the federal government and our community partners to build on the work that is being done to strengthen supports, address the root causes of violence and help ensure that everyone can live free from violence.

This renewed investment reinforces our shared commitment to ending gender-based violence and supports the continued collaboration needed to create lasting, systemic change.

Together, we can continue building safer communities where women, girls, gender-diverse people and those affected by gender-based violence can live safely, access the supports they need and have every opportunity to thrive.