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The Honourable Premier Eby, K.C., M.L.A.
Premier of British Columbia
Dear Premier Eby,
Re: GBV Epidemic
I’m reaching out today, during the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, to urge your government to declare gender-based violence (GBV) 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. Our union has joined onto a coalition of advocates, service providers and other researchers calling for GBV to be declared an epidemic in the province.
Gender-based violence grew dramatically during pandemic lockdowns and has not subsided. This violence has been and remains a serious threat to the well-being and lives of women across the world.
Formally recognizing this 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.
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. In your statement on November 25, you stated you were taking action to support survivors, address the crisis of MMIWG2S, and increase prevention and awareness.
By recognizing the GBV epidemic, your government can begin to deliver on these commitments and free up resources and funding for prevention, education, and support services.
Your party identified the need to improve healthcare for women and children in the most recent election, and making this declaration will ensure that public health services are available to survivors who need them, and their children.
Unifor is committed to furthering this goal, and to continuing to not only support survivors, but to prevent further violence.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I would be happy to further discuss these matters with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Lana Payne Gavin McGarrigle
Unifor National President Unifor Western Regional Director
