44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 27, 2023 11:00AM
- Nov/27/23 2:00:30 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, intimate partner violence is increasing in Canada. More than four in 10 women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and it is estimated that up to 70% of domestic violence is not reported.
We need to work together to end gender-based violence by fostering a culture of respect and equality. Men have a crucial role to play in this effort. It is important for men to stand up publicly against gender-based violence, call out situations and not remain silent.
I want to emphasize the importance of men helping young men and boys at home, in schools and in our communities, so they can break free from the harmful ideas of toxic masculinity. We need to listen to women and girls and understand their experiences. We need to support them and provide them with the resources they need to escape violence. We need to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensure they face justice.
Together, we can make a difference. Let us work toward a future where gender-based violence is no longer a reality for women and girls in Canada.
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- Nov/27/23 2:02:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last year, the UN's Secretary-General wrote, “Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation in the world.” Here in Canada, 184 women and girls were violently killed last year, and our government is taking action.
In 2017, we launched our whole-of-government strategy to end gender-based violence. We are working with provinces and territories by supporting crisis hotlines in every jurisdiction, and we are funding over 1,400 women's shelters and sexual assault centres.
Local organizations in York region and across the country are making a difference, including the 20-plus agencies that are part of York Region's Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee. I would like to salute all those working in this field in York region, including the early pioneers: Yellow Brick House, Sandgate and Belinda's Place.
We know that girls and women cannot reach their full potential if they are not safe. Working together, we can help bring about positive change in Canada and around the world.
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- Nov/27/23 2:11:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, gender-based violence is not a women's issue. Sally Armstrong urges us, “Stop making this a women's problem. It isn't. It's a men's problem.” Ten years after the horrific attack at École Polytechnique, the Hon. Margaret McCain, at a ceremony on December 6 at the Women's College Hospital, courageously added that Marc Lépine had been physically abused by his father as a child. Hurt people hurt people. We have a moral obligation to prevent the preventable. Hurt people need timely access to trauma-informed, culturally safe and evidence-based care.
In 1991, Jack Layton, Ron Sluser and Michael Kaufman founded the White Ribbon Campaign. Today, it is the largest movement of men and boys to end violence against women and girls and to promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. In response to MMIWG, indigenous communities have led the Moose Hide and I Am a Kind Man campaigns.
There will never be enough shelter spaces to prevent the plague of femicide until we see systemic and generational change that starts with confident and caring men.
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- Nov/27/23 2:14:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, gender-based violence perpetuates cycles of fear and trauma, hinders social and economic development and reinforces gender inequality. Women and girls are often the primary victims, but men and non-binary people can also experience this type of violence.
Our government is committed to preventing gender-based violence by promoting a responsive justice system and supporting victims, survivors and their families.
Awareness, education and legislative measures play a key role in promoting a culture of respect and equality. We must all mobilize and stand up. Let us work together to put an end to gender-based violence once and for all.
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- Nov/27/23 2:52:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, gender-based violence is unacceptable and has no place in the country, including in my home town, Brampton South. November 25 marked the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This is a global campaign to raise awareness about ending violence against women and girls.
This month, the federal government stepped up by investing in and supporting the implementation of the national action plan to end gender-based violence in Ontario.
Could the hon. Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth share the details of the national action plan with the House?
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question and her commitment.
Gender-based violence is an epidemic in Canada. We recently passed Bill S‑12 to improve the national sex offender registry and give victims more power in the criminal justice process. We also passed a bill that guarantees that judges will receive sexual assault training.
We will continue to fight against gender-based violence so that all Canadians, both men and women, can be safe and feel safe.
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- Nov/27/23 3:12:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As a mother of three young men, I raised my boys to be respectful of women and to recognize that eliminating gender-based violence is an issue for all people, regardless of gender.
Can the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth please provide an update on how we can raise boys and young men to be champions of women and support ending gender-based violence?
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- Nov/27/23 3:13:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the fight to end gender-based violence will not end unless men and boys are involved. Since we launched the national action plan to end gender-based violence, we have funded organizations such as White Ribbon that work every day to make sure men and boys are involved in this fight.
Gender-based violence must not and will not be tolerated. All of us can make that a reality.
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