We all deserve a government that is committed to ending gender-based violence.
Canada will be having a federal election on April 28th, 2025. Every vote helps shape the policies that matter— gender equity and safety. Federal elections shape policies that impact gender equity and safety in our communities. Women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Canada—especially Indigenous, Black, trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary individuals, immigrant, refugee, and non-status women, and women with disabilities—are facing heightened risks of violence.
Every election matters, but now more than ever, Canada needs strong leadership and coordination across all levels of government to ensure sustained investments in gender-based violence prevention. 1 woman or girl is killed every 48 hours in Canada. Voting is a powerful way to hold candidates accountable and demand a future that prioritizes gender equity and safety for all.
Make gender equity a priority this election. Stay informed, ask questions, and vote for the future you want to see!
For more information voting visit: https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx
Calls to Action:
We urge all political parties to commit to ending gender-based violence through increased investment, coordinated strategy, and systemic change. Specifically, this election, we are calling for:
- A coordinated, funded, and community-led national strategy to end gender-based violence that prioritizes violence prevention.
- Strengthen systems collaboration focused on prevention, particularly for Indigenous and rural communities.
- Investment in affordable and safe housing options for women, gender-diverse people and their families, including the option to remain safely in their own homes.
- To declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic.
- Allocate funding towards a comprehensive data collection and evaluation strategy to support evidence-based policies and programs for survivors.
Policy Recommendations
For policymakers and community members seeking to understand WomanACT’s policy positions and recommendations, please see our written submissions and statements below.
WomanACT Written Submission to the Toronto Police Service Board
How New Laws & Regulations are Created in The Province of Ontario
Issue Brief: Gender-Based Violence Service Provision and Access in Times of Crisis
Issue Brief: Information sharing and intimate partner violence in Canada
National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: What we heard
Creating a Gender Equity Strategy and Gender Equality Office for Toronto
Ontario’s Social Assistance Programs: A Violence Against Women Perspective
Policy Impacts on Violence Against Women in Canada: A Review of Literature on Selected Policies
VAW Sector Representatives Recommendations: Income Security – A Roadmap for Change
Gender Housing Justice – Read Written Testimony
Support other community-based election campaigns
- #VotetoEngGBV campaign created by a dedicated coalition of anti-gender-based violence advocates and survivors who have united to urge all political candidates in the federal election to commit to ending GBV – www.votetoendgbv.com
- Social Planning Toronto – 2025 Federal Election Fact Sheets & Resources
- Action Ontarienne campaign resources – Élections Canada 2025
- Vote with Pride – Vote with Pride – Egale Canada
- VOTE – ApathyIsBoring
- Time to Vote – The Neighbourhood Group Community Services
- WomenVote – Ontario Federation of Labour
- Reclaiming Our Vote – Battered Women’s Support Services
- Demand Better
- The 519 Why We Vote – Why We Vote