National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

The "National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence" was introduced in 2022 by Women and Gender Equality Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to coordinate investments across Canada aimed at addressing gender-based violence. Implemented at the national level and guided by these coordinated efforts, this action plan targets victims, survivors, and their families across Canada, regardless of location. It aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence. The action plan comprises five pillars and a foundational framework: support for survivors and their families; prevention; a responsive justice system; Indigenous-led approaches; social infrastructure and enabling environments; along with a foundation for cross-sector coordination, research, data collection, knowledge mobilization, reporting, and monitoring. Each province and territory has established bilateral agreements with Women and Gender Equality Canada, allowing flexibility to address local priorities and challenges. Recognizing that older women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, the plan includes targeted investments in housing, shelters, and transitional homes to provide safe options. Notably, all three territories have increased funding for shelters and transitional homes through the National Action Plan, while several provinces have enhanced shelter capacity to support individuals seeking safe refuge.