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The Honourable Doug Ford, M.P.P.
Premier of Ontario
Dear Premier Ford,
Re: IPV Epidemic
I’m reaching out today, during the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, to urge your government to pass Bill 173 and declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic.
Unifor has long understood the importance of supporting workers beyond the workplace, and we see how members are affected by the increasing prevalence and severity of gender-based and intimate partner violence in Canada.
Intimate partner based violence grew dramatically during pandemic lockdowns and has not subsided. IPV has been and remains a serious threat to the well-being and lives of women across the world.
Declaring IPV an epidemic underscores its severity, promotes greater awareness, and advocates for a comprehensive response from both public health authorities and policymakers. This is a recommendation included in the National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Girls as well as Ontario’s Renfrew Inquest Report and the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission Report.
In Canada, one woman is killed by an intimate or former intimate partner every six days. Almost half – 44 per cent – of Canadian women report having been subjected to some form of IPV and are disproportionately victimized by the most severe forms of abuse.
In Ontario, the incident rates for intimate partner violence have increased by 6% since 2020. This crisis is growing.
This is a widespread public health emergency that needs to be declared an epidemic. People experiencing this form of violence are at higher risk of experiencing poor general health, mental health challenges including depression, cognitive impairment, and poor academic performance.
To address the urgency of this issue, we ask that you immediately take steps to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. By recognizing it as an epidemic, your government can begin to deliver resources and funding for prevention, education, and support services.
I urge you to immediately pass Bill 173. The women of Ontario are looking to your government to play a leadership role on this very important matter.
Unifor is committed to furthering this goal, and to continuing to not only support survivors, but to prevent further violence.
We have recently met with MPP Jess Dixon and understand there is much work happening on this file. We look forward to moving this issue forward with the government.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I would be happy to further discuss these matters with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Lana Payne Samia Hashi
Unifor National President Unifor Ontario Regional Director
