Question Period Note: Gender-based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

o Gender-based violence (GBV), including family violence and intimate partner violence (IPV), has been increasing. These forms of violence have long-lasting negative effects and women remain disproportionately affected. Firearms significantly heighten the risk and lethality of IPV.
o Our government made commitments to Canadians at the outset of our mandate to work to end gender-based violence by continuing investments in the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This work will support victims and survivors, prevent violence, and support Indigenous-led approaches.
o Our government will also take action to better protect victims of sexual violence and IPV through new legislative measures.
o With this and a range of other efforts, the Government of Canada is taking action to combat these heinous crimes.

 There is no place in Canada for gender-based violence. The Government of Canada is committed to eliminating violence against women and girls, and is taking actions to combat these heinous crimes.
 This includes establishing the Federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy, and the National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence. The Government is also working with provinces and territories on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
 New legislation is in place to remove firearms from those who pose a danger, helping to reduce firearms-related family violence and self-harm.
 Public Safety also funds projects that prevent cyberbullying, violent extremism, and violent misogyny.
 The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) participates in provincial Clare’s Laws, which provide information about potentially harmful intimate partners.
 The Government of Canada is committed to supporting victims and ending gender-based violence in Canada.

Gun control

o In December 2023, former Bill C-21 received Royal Assent with new measures to help keep communities safe, including a suite of harm reduction measures.
o “Red flag” laws allow anyone to apply to the courts for an order prohibiting someone from possessing firearms for up to 30 days when they pose a risk to themselves or others.
o In April 2025, enhanced licence revocation and ineligibility measures came into force to address the risks that firearms pose in situations of intimate partner violence and family violence.
o Individuals are not eligible to hold a licence if they have been convicted of an offence in which violence was used, threatened or attempted against their intimate partner or any family member.
o A firearms licence will also be revoked if the Chief Firearms Officer suspects the licence holder has engaged in domestic violence or stalking.
o Work continues to operationalize new measures that require the refusal or revocation of a licence if someone is subject to a protection order. This requires that the term “protection order” be defined in regulation.

Federal Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence / National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

o The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, launched in November 2022, is a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at creating a Canada free of gender-based violence (GBV). It focuses on prevention, support for victims and survivors, and systemic change, engaging all levels of government and communities across Canada.

o It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (the federal Strategy) was launched in June 2017 and coordinates federal initiatives across three pillars: preventing gender-based violence, supporting victims and survivors, and promoting a responsive justice system.
o The federal Strategy is a component of the national effort to address GBV, with the National Action Plan serving as the overarching framework and the federal Strategy as the Government's specific actions within that framework.
o Cyberbullying is a form of gender-based violence and disproportionately affects young girls and vulnerable communities.
o Public Safety Canada receives $1 million annually through the federal Strategy, to support community-based projects that prevent and address bullying and cyberbullying.

Canada Community Security Program (CCSP)

The CCSP replaces and enhances the former Security Infrastructure Program by providing financial assistance to private and non-profit organizations to enhance the security of community gathering spaces that serve communities at risk of being targeted by hate-motivated crime.
o Measures that are eligible for funding under the CCSP include security equipment and hardware; minor renovations to enhance security; security and emergency assessments and plans; training; and time-limited third party security personnel.
o Eligible recipients are Canadian private, not-for-profit organizations, including 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations that meet this criteria and shelters serving victims of gender-based violence.
o Since 2011, the program has supported more than 900 projects representing an investment of more than $37M. The average Public Safety funding since October 2024 is $53,301 per project.

Clare’s Law
o Clare's Law is a policy originating in England and Wales. It was created as a guide for individuals to obtain information from the police regarding the risk of interpersonal violence posed by their current or former domestic partners. It was named in memory of Clare Wood, who was killed in 2009 by her former domestic partner, who had a record of violence against women of which she was unaware.
o In Canada, several provinces have adopted Clare's Laws in the form of a statute, authorizing a police service to disclose certain risk-related information to a current or former intimate partner, where such information could assist the partner in making informed decisions about their safety and the relationship.
o Clare's Laws have been enacted in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.
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Countering Radicalization to Violence

o Established in 2017, the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (Canada Centre), leads the federal government’s efforts to counter all forms of radicalization to violence in Canada. It complements national security and criminal justice efforts, addressing hate and gender-based violence, including violent misogyny. Through the Community Resilience Fund, it supports research and prevention initiatives.
o Budget 2024 allocated $19.5 million over three years to enhance the Canada Centre’s capacity to prevent violence, and to work with stakeholders in Canada and internationally to increase capacity to address radicalization to violence. Part of this funding was also allocated to create a data team of specialized analysts, who work on researching violent extremism trends, such as the involvement of gender-based violence including violent misogyny.
RCMP Response to GBV

o The RCMP is addressing gender-based violence and intimate partner violence by equipping its members with education and training, and by strengthening internal policies.
o Work is centred on providing members with the knowledge, tools and guidance they need to respond effectively and compassionately, ensuring the safety and well-being of victims while holding offenders accountable, and enhancing internal policies to reinforce a coordinated and informed approach to gender-based violence and intimate partner violence across the organization.

If Pressed

Q1 – Gun control

 We have introduced strong gun control measures to improve public safety, and reduce the risks associated with intimate-partner and gender-based violence involving firearms.
 With new “red flag” laws, anyone can ask a court to prevent someone from guns if they are a risk to themselves or others.
 As well, someone suspected of domestic violence or stalking will have their firearms licence revoked.
 Individuals are automatically ineligible to hold a firearms licence if they have been convicted of an offence involving violence against an intimate partner or family member.

Q2 -Clare’s Law

 Everyone has the right to know if they are at risk of abuse from their partner or potential partner.
 Clare’s Law allows police to disclose a person’s prior intimate partner violence information to a current or former intimate partner.
 The Government supports provinces and territories that have adopted Clare’s Laws legislation, and has taken steps to ensure RCMP participation, including by amending regulations.
 Clare’s Laws are enacted in several provinces across Canada, and more provinces are considering them.
 Supporting Clare’s Laws is part of Canada’s broader commitment to addressing gender-based violence.

Q3-Countering Radicalization to Violence

 This government condemns all forms of gender-based violence, including radicalization to violence, such as violent misogyny and Incel forms of violent extremism.
 That is why Public Safety’s Canada Centre for Community Engagement & Prevention of Violence works to address these extreme forms of hate involving violent misogyny and gender-based violence.
 Through the Community Resilience Fund, the Canada Centre financially supports research and frontline initiatives working to prevent and counter all forms of violent extremism in Canada. With this, the government seeks to protect Canadians and keep communities safe.

Q4- Canada Community Security Program (formerly the Security Infrastructure Program)

 There is no place for hate in this country. All Canadians deserve to be safe where they work, live, and worship.
 The Canada Community Security Program provides support to communities at risk of hate-motivated crime by helping to enhance the security of community gathering spaces.
 This includes support for protection against gender-based violence directed towards the 2SLGBTQI+ community and for shelters serving victims of gender-based violence.
 Total funding for the program has been increased to $20.5 million for 2025-26. To respond quickly to urgent needs, organizations can now apply at any time during the year.
 Canada is working with partners to improve safety and security. This will protect the vibrancy and diversity of Canada’s population.