PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:

“Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we reflect on our shared responsibility to stop gender-based violence and renew our commitment to supporting survivors, their families, and the tireless advocacy groups.

“Gender-based violence is a serious issue that affects women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Canada. The risk is even higher for Indigenous women and girls, racialized women, women living in rural and remote areas, people in 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and women with disabilities. Canada should be a safe and inclusive place for everyone. That’s why we’re working together with partners to break the cycle of gender-based violence.

“One year ago, we launched the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which sets a framework to have a Canada free from gender-based violence – supporting victims, survivors, and their families. We have already announced bilateral agreements with Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, the Yukon, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Ontario, and yesterday we signed an agreement with Quebec – ensuring supports are readily available and accessible across the country. The Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, is continuing to work with federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and their partners, to establish similar agreements, implement the National Action Plan, and reaffirm our commitment to eliminate gender-based violence. Through the It’s Not Just campaign, we are also promoting awareness of the various forms of gender-based violence to change beliefs, build knowledge, and end the vicious cycle.

“We continue to respond to the 231 Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Launched in June 2021, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People outlines the Government of Canada’s commitments to addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We have already made significant investments in housing and infrastructure, shelters and safe spaces, employment, justice, education, and mental health and wellness supports. And we will continue our efforts until everyone in Canada – regardless of their gender, gender expression, or perceived gender – feels safe and respected.

“On the international stage, we are working with our partners, especially women’s rights organizations, toward building a world free of gender-based violence and achieving gender equality as set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, Canada leads on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls resolution at the Human Rights Council. Adopted earlier this year, this resolution helps prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in criminal justice detention.

“Today, as we begin the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I invite everyone to join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #16Days to speak out against gender-based violence. Our work is far from over. Together, let’s continue to build a Canada where everyone can feel safe, protected, and be free from gender-based violence, now and into the future.”

PREMIER David Eby and Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, said in a statement:

“Today, we join people in B.C. and around the world in calling for an end to gender-based violence and renewing our commitment to supporting survivors.

“Throughout B.C., violence against women, girls and Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people is a deeply troubling and harmful issue. The effects on survivors, their families and communities are devastating.

“Today also marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This is a time for people, organizations, communities and governments to share how they are taking action to break the cycle of violence and provide safety and support to survivors.

“Our government is committed to ending gender-based violence and supporting survivors and organizations that provide them with vital services and care. This includes: providing annual funding of more than $10 million to sexual-assault response service providers; ensuring survivors have access to low-cost and no-cost counselling, outreach and crisis-support services; supporting victim-service programs; and making critical investments in transition housing, safe homes and second-stage housing throughout the province.

“We’ve made real progress, but there is still much work to do. We know this work needs to be done in collaboration with the people working directly with survivors and their communities to ensure we are prioritizing what is most needed.

“That’s why we are working closely with a diverse advisory committee, along with Indigenous and community partners. We are grateful for the many experts, advocates and community leaders who have provided feedback that is helping shape our work.

“We are also grateful for all the community organizations, advocacy groups, sexual assault centres, victim-services organizations and transition houses that support survivors of violence with care, compassion and experience.

“To the survivors, family, friends and community members who have been affected by gender-based violence and femicide, we grieve with you. We vow to continue working to address such violence and support survivors and their loved ones.

“Stopping gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility. If you see or hear something, speak up. Together, we can make our province safer for everyone.

“If you are in immediate danger, or think someone else is, there are resources that can help. You can call 911. You can also call or text VictimLinkBC through its toll-free 24/7 confidential, multilingual telephone service at 1 800 563-0808 or email: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca (mailto:VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca)
VictimLink’s staff are there to provide immediate crisis support, information and referral services.”