NDP statement on the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

NDP critic for Women and Gender Equality MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) issued the following statement:

“Today, on International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, New Democrats reaffirm our commitment to fighting for women and gender-diverse people to be free from violence and to be safe in their own communities.

Over half of Canadian women aged sixteen and over have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence, according to assaulted women’s helpline. The statistics are even worse for Black, Indigenous, other people of colour, 2SLGBTQQIA individuals and members of the disability community. Also, all governments bear responsibility to keep migrant women safe from violence and abuse, especially those on closed work permits.

Gender based violence is an epidemic, and governments at all levels must act to keep women and gender-diverse people safe. New Democrats have been working tirelessly on a Red Dress Alert, so when an Indigenous women, girl, or gender-diverse person goes missing, they can be brought home safely. We also continue our fight for a guaranteed livable basic income, which would provide individuals with the economic empowerment they need to leave unsafe situations.

For too long, the Liberal government has provided only empty words, failing to commit long-term sustainable funding to women’s shelters or to affordable housing with rent geared to income, leaving many survivors of violence in positions of insecure housing. As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence start, New Democrats will keep working relentless for the solutions required to end this epidemic.”