B.C. government mandate letter acknowledges epidemic of gender-based violence

Main Image
Image
Premier Eby
Share

In his government’s mandate letter to B.C. Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey, Premier Eby recognized the epidemic of gender-based violence and empowered Bailey to take steps to address the crisis.  

Gender-based violence is pervasive in Canada and in British Columbia, with nearly 30% of women in British Columbia reporting experiencing physical or sexual assault from an intimate partner since the age of 15.

“Unifor members, particularly women, have been sounding the alarm on the epidemic of gender-based and intimate partner violence for many years,” said Unifor national President Lana Payne. “B.C. is the latest jurisdiction to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and enhance efforts to reduce and eliminate it.”

Unifor is a partner in a B.C. coalition of advocates, experts and concerned service providers calling on the provincial government to declare GBV an epidemic

Premier Eby’s letter to Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey includes recognition of the epidemic of gender-based violence. The Minister will collaborate with the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity to: 

  • “Work with partners to address the national epidemic of gender-based violence as it relates to our province, and work with stakeholders to ensure that government programs and initiatives reflect the interests and concerns of people with lived experience.
  • Work with the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and the Attorney General to ensure that we are meeting our targets on delivering accessible transition housing for women fleeing violence, and that the justice system is responsive to the needs of survivors of gender-based violence.”

“The next step should be a formal declaration in legislation,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “A declaration of this public health crisis will allow his government to use all tools necessary to stop the violence.”

Add your voice to the call by signing the petition from the YWCA Vancouver.

Media Contact

Sarah McCue

National Communications Representative - ONTARIO
Email