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"Violence against women and children costs Canadian society more than $7 billion a year. You would think those savings would be a huge impetus to make the changes, especially from a government that boasts about its management of the economy." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President
Ottawa (29 May 2015) — A motion to create a national plan to address the rising problem of violence against women was introduced in the House of Commons on May 28 by NDP Member of Parliament Niki Ashton. Ashton is also the NDP's Critic for the Status of Women.
Conservatives use majority to kill motion on violence against women
"The importance of such a national strategy shouldn't be lost on anyone," says Brenda Hildahl, Chairperson of the National Union of Public and General Employees' Advisory Committee on Women's Issues. "From the murdered and missing Indigenous women to Health Canada's admission that it needs to do more to help women and children suffering from abuse, for decades advocates have been calling for a coordinated action plan to ensure women are safe at home and in the workplace."
Recently, new documents were introduced into Parliament with Health Canada acknowledging that improved services are needed for women and children who have been abused. The improvements include increased training for doctors and more supports for women and children. Health Canada has also suggested that there is a need for more evidence on what helps prevent violence against women.
No new money from government to support initiatives aimed at ending violence against women
The NDP and Liberals supported Ashton's motion yet all but one Conservative MPs voted against the motion.
"The announcement from Health Canada is a clear admission that there is a massive problem in our country," said James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "We have a patchwork of services across Canada, and access to many programs and support are determined based on where you live. Women and children everywhere should have the same access, whether they live in rural or urban communities."
Lise Martin, executive director of the Canadian Network of Women’s Shelters and Transition Houses, said in a CBC interview that the Conservatives’ initiatives amount to an announcement of projects that were funded in the past.
"This government is recycling money that has already been given out. There's nothing new to address the problem," Clancy added. "Violence against women and children costs Canadian society more than $7 billion a year. You would think those savings would be a huge impetus to make the changes, especially from a government that boasts about its management of the economy."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE