Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Symposium

Unifor is committed to protecting workers and their families at work and at home.  

Last year, 187 women in Canada were killed in acts of femicide. 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 intimate partner violence (IPV) and are disproportionately the victims of the most severe forms of abuse.  

Unifor played a key role in passing legislation in Nova Scotia that declared IPV an epidemic, followed by a motion passed in the New Brunswick legislature  - each an important step in recognizing the severity of the problem and toward improving funding and supports to address and prevent IPV. We have also welcomed the declaration of Gender Based Violence as an epidemic in Newfoundland and Labrador, following our symposium there. The union continues to demand action in Ontario to pass Bill 55 and other provinces to address this all-too-common violence. 

As part of this important work, the Ontario Regional Council Women’s Standing Committee is proud to announce that, in partnership with the Unifor Women’s Department, a groundbreaking Intimate Partner Violence Symposium will take place November 18, 2026, in Thunder Bay, ON.  

The Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Symposium will unite members, professionals, community frontline service providers, and special guests to share the latest research, tools, and strategies for addressing and preventing intimate partner violence. This important session will increase knowledge, activism, and political efforts to end IPV in Ontario by passing Bill 55. 

WHERE: Italian Cultural Centre, 132 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON 

WHEN: November 18, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

REGISTER BY: November 13, 2026 

This symposium will offer updated knowledge on the evolving dynamics of intimate partner violence, with presentations by experts in the field, interactive workshops, and opportunities to network with advocates.   

Together, we will explore innovative approaches to support survivors and work towards ending the cycle of violence. In addition, we will be joined by representatives from community organizations dedicated to IPV prevention and intervention, offering a collaborative space for meaningful dialogue and actionable insights.  

This will be the second Ontario symposium to be held in the region, with spring date for the Greater Toronto Area. 

The full-day event will be held on Friday, November 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre, 132 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON. For those requiring an overnight stay, we have secured a Unifor rate of$209 +tax per night at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay for November 17-18, 2026. Locals may call in and reference Unifor – 1415078. You can use their online reservation system here. 

Local Presidents are asked to arrange a Leave of Absence (LOA) request for members to attend. We ask that you to consider covering lost time and expenses to attend this very important and informative event which is open to all but would be ideal for Women’s Committees, Women’s Advocates and activists. 
 
Event content warning: Please note that this event may include conversations and materials surrounding intimate partner violence, a difficult and potentially distressing topic. If you require support at any time, your union has any number of resources available to you. We will have trained Women’s Advocates at the event to support those attending, if needed. Please reach out to @email for more information.  

REGISTRATION: 

• Registration for this event is required. The deadline to register is Friday, November 13, 2026. 
• Lunch will be provided, and we ask that if you have any dietary restrictions, to please let us know by Friday, November 13, 2026. This information should be included on the reservation form. 

If you have any questions, please email women@unifor.org.