Following the federal election results on Monday, we have reached out to Prime Minster Mark Carney and his team to welcome them to work with us in our pursuit of an end to gender-based violence. 

We reminded them of our open communication that highlighted the need for a dedicated Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) to carry out the commitments of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (NAP), we were encouraged by the party’s assurances that, if elected, a Liberal government would, “continue the important work to end GBV and IPV [intimate partner violence] through a comprehensive, substantive policy agenda.” 

They also outlined a plan to push for legislative changes including the following additions to the Criminal Code:  

• Making murder motivated by hate a constructive first-degree offence, including femicide;  

• Making it a criminal offence to distribute non-consensual sexual deepfakes;  

• Increasing penalties for the distribution of intimate images without consent and sexual assault on summary conviction 

We reminded the prime minister and his government of these commitments, particularly highlighting the NAP’s commitment to implementing Indigenous-led approaches, and invited them to meet with us to work together and ensure the work continues.