PRESS RELEASE: TORONTO, ON – On Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, a federal snap election was officially called, with Canadians set to go to the polls on April 28, 2025. Since the announcement, all official political parties have begun outlining their policy priorities. This follows the dissolution of the dedicated Ministry for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), with its portfolio shifted under the Ministry of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada, and the Quebec Lieutenant.
The policies implemented by the next federal government will have far-reaching impacts on economic and social justice. These most often impact those who are already vulnerable, including those in poverty, women and gender-diverse people, Indigenous, and racialized people. Canada needs strong federal leadership and coordination across all levels of government to ensure sustained investments in gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, affordable housing, and comprehensive data collection. Evidence-based, survivor-centered policies and programs are essential to providing safety options for survivors and fostering economic empowerment.
WomanACT remains steadfast in our vision: a world where all women and gender-diverse people live free from violence and have economic security. We firmly believe that women’s full participation in policymaking, national action plans, and the workforce is essential to strengthening Canada’s economic and social outcomes. Gender equality is the foundation of a strong economy and a more resilient Canadian society.
According to Statistics Canada, between 2018 and 2023, police-reported rates of Family Violence (FV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) rose alarmingly—17% and 13%, respectively. In 2023 alone, nearly 4 in 5 IPV victims (78%) and over 6 in 10 FV victims (68%) were women and girls. Family violence against seniors (65+) also reached an all-time high, with nearly 6 in 10 victims (57%) being women. With one woman or girl killed every 48 hours in Canada, it is critical that the next federal government upholds its commitment to ending gender-based violence.
As part of our election advocacy, WomanACT will engage in non-partisan education on evidence-based policy recommendations and share our priorities with all political parties and candidates. These priorities include:
- Investment in affordable and safe housing options for women and gender-diverse people.
- Strengthen systems collaboration focused on prevention, particularly for Indigenous and rural communities.
- Enhancing investments into the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
We will continue to push for feminist policies and sustained investments in women’s safety, security, and economic empowerment because Canada’s future depends on it. We encourage you all to join us in making gender equity a priority this election. Stay informed, ask questions, engage in discussions, and participate in the democratic process.
WomanACT works collaboratively to eradicate gender-based violence through research, education and advocacy. We work to create a world where individuals and systems are primed to address gender-based violence, and survivors get the support they need from anyone, anywhere, at any time. Our partners include academics, survivors, government, gender-based violence organizations, and many more.
Media Contact:
Aakanksha Mathur (she/her)
Manager of Public Policy, Advocacy and Communications
WomanACT
416-944-9242 Ext. 231
amathur@womanact.ca
womanact.ca
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