I appreciated the comments from my colleague from London West on the budget. As she pointed out, the word “women” was mentioned four times in this budget.

We all know and have discussed in this room that violence against women is both insidious and increasing across communities. When we hear from victim services—in Durham region, and across the province—we know that they haven’t seen a significant increase in core funding in way too long. The burnout and low, uncompetitive wage for such important work is not retaining the people doing such important heavy lifting and caring, and what they’re having to do with not enough is just unbelievable.

What could have been seen in this budget that would have made a difference in the fight to end violence against women?