Status of Women

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss the financial vulnerability and abuse of senior women in Canada. Witnesses from various organizations shared their expertise and provided recommendations to address these issues. The committee heard that financial insecurity, social isolation, and the increasing sophistication of scams are major factors contributing to the vulnerability of older women. Pierre Lynch from the Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées, discussed the financial challenges faced by seniors, particularly women without private pensions. Sylvie St-Amand and Vé Mikaelian from the Fédération des femmes du Québec, emphasized the structural inequalities that contribute to the financial vulnerability of older women, including the gendered division of labor and the lack of affordable housing. Dr. Rose Joudi from HelpAge Canada, highlighted the under-reporting of abuse against older women and the role of ageism as a structural risk factor. Detective Michael Payne from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, spoke about the increasing complexity of fraud and scams targeting older adults, particularly through the use of AI and deepfake technology. He urged the government to implement policies requiring digital platforms to deploy real-time fraud alerts and to provide better support for victims of financial crimes. Joanne Blinco from the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council, discussed the issue of coercive control in elder abuse cases and the need for coordinated community response teams to support older adults at risk. Sonia Côté from the Association d'entraide Le Chaînon inc., shared her experiences working with vulnerable women in Quebec and highlighted the importance of securing housing, strengthening the social safety net, and establishing trusts dedicated to rent to prevent homelessness among senior women. Committee members raised concerns about the adequacy of government benefits, the impact of inflation on seniors' incomes, and the need for better support for caregivers. The committee acknowledged the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the financial vulnerability and abuse of senior women, including strengthening income supports, breaking down social isolation, preventing fraud, and promoting awareness of elder abuse. The committee will use the information gathered from the witnesses to develop recommendations for the government.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss and make changes to a proposed law about violence against partners. The goal of the law is to better protect people in relationships from abuse and ensure fair treatment in the justice system. The committee worked through the proposed law section by section, considering different ideas for improvement. Frank Caputo, a Conservative, played a key role as the sponsor of the proposed law, explaining its purpose and how the changes would work. Leah Gazan from the NDP shared her concerns about the law potentially harming Indigenous people and those experiencing abuse. Representatives from the Department of Justice, Nathalie Levman and Alyssa McLeod, helped the committee understand the legal details of the proposed changes. Patricia Lattanzio and other Liberal committee members introduced many changes to the proposed law, which the committee discussed and voted on. These changes included making sure that courts consider patterns of abuse when deciding sentences and creating a new offense for violence against a partner. The committee agreed to remove some parts of the proposed law that were no longer needed because of the changes they made. Ultimately, the committee members voted to approve the proposed law with several changes. These changes aim to ensure that the law is clear, fair, and effective in protecting people from violence in their relationships. The committee also decided to have the proposed law reprinted with the changes so that the House of Commons can review it again.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss a proposed law (Bill C-225) that aims to strengthen the Criminal Code's response to intimate partner violence. Witnesses shared their views on whether the proposed law would effectively protect victims and prevent violence. Some expressed concerns that the proposed law could inadvertently harm victims who act in self-defense or lead to the over-criminalization of marginalized groups. Sabrina Nadeau from À cœur d’homme emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and focusing on holding perpetrators accountable. She suggested that criminalizing coercive control would be more effective than creating new offenses. Brian Sauvé, representing the National Police Federation, supported the intent of the proposed law but raised concerns about resource limitations, especially in rural areas, and the need for clarity in defining intimate partner violence offenses. Hilda Anderson-Pyrz of the National Family and Survivors Circle stressed the need for a distinctions-based and gender-based analysis to ensure the proposed law does not disproportionately impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Raneem Yaseen from the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic cautioned that the proposed law could expand criminalization without proper context and safeguards. Karine Barrette and Louise Riendeau from the Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale advocated for considering patterns of coercive control in domestic violence cases. Committee members discussed potential amendments to the proposed law to address concerns about victim criminalization and ensure that it aligns with the needs of diverse communities. The committee identified the need for more training for police and prosecutors to better understand and address intimate partner violence. Amendments to the proposed law are due by March 2. The committee agreed that the goal is to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, but there are different views on how best to achieve this.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss a proposed law, Bill C-225, which aims to amend the Criminal Code regarding intimate partner violence. Frank Caputo, a member of Parliament, introduced the proposed law, named "Bailey's Law", explaining it was inspired by the tragic death of Bailey McCourt and other victims of intimate partner violence. The proposed law suggests that the murder of an intimate partner should automatically be classified as first-degree murder, and seeks to create specific intimate partner violence offences that mirror existing offences, such as assault and harassment. During the meeting, committee members raised concerns that the proposed law might unintentionally capture cases where a woman kills her abusive partner in self-defense. Caputo expressed openness to amendments to address these concerns, emphasizing that he does not want to see any innocent person, especially a battered spouse acting in self-defense, wrongly convicted. Witnesses Debbie Henderson, Florence Bellman, and Paul Henderson shared emotional testimonies about losing loved ones to intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards and accountability within the justice system. The witnesses emphasized the importance of recognizing the seriousness of intimate partner violence and preventing future tragedies. They also discussed the concept of coercive control and whether it should be explicitly included as an offense in the proposed law. Committee members and witnesses acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, support services, and addressing systemic issues within the justice system. The committee agreed to consider amendments to the proposed law to ensure it effectively protects victims and holds perpetrators accountable.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss anti-feminist ideology and its impact, especially online. Witnesses shared their expertise on how social media and AI can amplify harmful content, affecting young people's beliefs and behaviors. They also discussed the need for prevention strategies, education, and regulation of online platforms. Key speakers included Esli Chan, who highlighted how social media algorithms promote misogynistic content, and Michel Dorais, who emphasized the importance of positive male role models and reaching boys in schools and sports. Shari Graydon proposed requiring political parties to run equal numbers of men and women to increase women's visibility and challenge anti-feminist rhetoric. Emmanuelle Parent shared insights from classrooms, noting young people's exposure to misogyny online and the need for platform regulation. Representatives from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC) discussed how anti-feminist ideology can contribute to violent extremism and the importance of international cooperation. They clarified that CSIS investigates threats meeting the national security threshold, while ITAC assesses the likelihood of violent extremist attacks.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss section 810 of the Criminal Code and women's safety. The Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, spoke about the government's efforts to combat gender-based violence, including investments in prevention programs and stricter gun control measures. He highlighted proposed laws aimed at strengthening bail and sentencing for violent offenders and protecting victims of sexual violence. However, committee members questioned the effectiveness of these measures, citing rising crime rates and concerns about the impact on law-abiding gun owners. Dominique Vien, a committee member, challenged the Minister on rising crime rates since 2015 and criticized the government's gun confiscation program, arguing it unfairly targets hunters and Indigenous people. She questioned the Minister about a conversation where he allegedly expressed doubts about the program's usefulness. The Minister denied these claims and defended the program as a way to remove dangerous firearms from the streets. Other committee members, like Juanita Nathan, focused on the prevalence of firearms in intimate partner violence and the role of policing in addressing domestic violence in First Nations communities. RCMP Senior Deputy Commissioner Bryan Larkin discussed the challenges of policing in remote areas and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches. Andréanne Larouche raised concerns about the implementation of firearms regulations and the need to strengthen protection orders for victims of domestic violence. The committee also heard from the Minister of Justice, Sean Fraser, who emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based violence and the government's commitment to public safety. Connie Cody questioned the Minister on the types of weapons used in violence against women and accused the Liberal government of being soft on crime. Marie-Gabrielle Ménard highlighted the importance of prevention programs and the need to address the root causes of gender-based violence. Larry Brock raised concerns about the lack of trust in the justice system among victims of intimate partner violence. Shaun Chen emphasized the need to support survivors of violence and the importance of community safety. The committee agreed to extend the deadline for recommendations for amendments to February 20th to allow committee members more time to respond.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss anti-feminist ideology and its impact. Witnesses shared their expertise on how anti-feminist ideas are spreading, especially online, and how they affect women and LGBTQ+ people. Tristan Boursier, a political scientist, explained that anti-feminism is a political view that sees inequality between men and women as natural and desirable. He noted that online influencers are using anti-feminism to make money, and this content is easily spread through social media. Mylène de Repentigny-Corbeil, from Les 3 sex*, highlighted the rise of the "manosphere," an online ecosystem promoting hatred of women and violence. Dina Haddish, representing the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, discussed how anti-feminist ideology harms survivors of sexual violence, making it harder for them to report and seek help. Committee members questioned the witnesses about education, the role of parents, and how to combat anti-feminist thinking. Witnesses emphasized the importance of prevention, education, and awareness, starting at a young age. They also stressed the need for digital literacy and critical thinking skills to challenge harmful online content. The committee discussed holding online platforms accountable for spreading hate speech and misinformation. Additional witnesses, including Francis Dupuis-Déri, Kyle Ganson, and Pascal Vaillancourt, provided further insights. Dupuis-Déri spoke about the history of anti-feminism and the need to address the root causes of inequality. Ganson discussed how problematic masculine gender norms are promoted online, leading to mental health issues and anti-feminist beliefs. Vaillancourt highlighted the connection between anti-feminist and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, and the rise in violence and distress experienced by LGBTQ+ people. The committee explored potential solutions, including funding support resources, education, and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss anti-feminist ideology and its impact. Witnesses shared insights on the rise of misogyny, especially online, and its effects on women and young men. The committee heard about the normalization of anti-feminism and its connection to real-world violence. They also discussed the challenges faced by francophone women and the importance of addressing the root causes of radicalization. Rachel Gilmore, a journalist, spoke about her personal experiences with online harassment and the chilling effect it can have on women in journalism. Vé Mikaelian from the Fédération des femmes du Québec highlighted the growing extremism in online spaces and the real-world consequences of anti-feminist ideology. Dr. Alok Kanojia from the Healthy Gamer Foundation discussed the mental health aspects of young men drawn to these ideologies, emphasizing loneliness and lack of purpose as key factors. Nour Enayeh and Soukaina Boutiyeb from the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne spoke about the specific challenges faced by francophone women and the need for tailored support. Committee members explored potential solutions, including education, mental health support, and addressing online hate speech. They discussed the importance of early intervention and providing positive role models for young men. The committee also considered the need for more research and data on anti-feminist ideology, as well as the importance of funding for organizations working to combat it. There was discussion of the need to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect women from violence and harassment. The committee discussed a motion to study human trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss anti-feminist ideology and its impact, particularly on young people. Witnesses shared their expertise on the rise of anti-feminist views online and in society, and possible solutions. Marie-Eve Carignan from the Université de Sherbrooke talked about the role of social media in spreading hateful narratives and the need for media literacy and regulation. Dr. Liza Lorenzetti from the University of Calgary highlighted the connection between anti-feminism, misogyny, and violence, especially against Indigenous women and girls. Both emphasized the importance of community-based solutions and addressing systemic issues. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses about the causes and consequences of anti-feminism. They discussed how economic pressures and online spaces contribute to the problem. Dominique Vien asked about what the government can do to prevent anti-feminism. Marie-Gabrielle Ménard raised concerns about the impact on young women and the normalization of violence. Andréanne Larouche focused on media diversity and the need to regulate cyber-violence. Later, the committee heard from Dr. Michael Kehler, who spoke about the damaging impact of restrictive versions of masculinity on boys and men. Sue Bookchin discussed the convergence of sexualized violence, online pornography, and extremist ideologies. Committee members discussed potential solutions, including community initiatives, government regulation, and addressing the root causes of misogyny. During the meeting, Andréanne Larouche proposed a motion to extend the study by three meetings to hear from additional witnesses. After discussion, the committee agreed to amend the motion to add two additional meetings in the new year, after the committee addresses other outstanding business. The committee will prioritize hearing from ministers regarding section 810 in the new year.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss anti-feminist ideology and its impact. Witnesses shared their expertise and personal experiences. Léa Clermont-Dion, a professor at Concordia University, spoke about the rise of masculinist narratives online, particularly among young people, and their connection to violence against women. Jacqueline Neapole, from the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, discussed how anti-feminist ideology is becoming more mainstream and impacting women's rights organizations. David Morin, a professor from the Université de Sherbrooke, shared data showing a concerning polarization between young men and women regarding feminism and equality. Keeley Prockiw, a welder, shared her experiences with anti-feminist attitudes in the trades and the importance of creating respectful workplaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the causes and consequences of anti-feminist ideology. They discussed the role of social media, education, and government funding in addressing the issue. Some members expressed concern about the potential for generalizations about men and the need to promote healthy masculinity. Witnesses emphasized the importance of collecting data, regulating online hate speech, and investing in education and social programs. They also highlighted the need for positive role models and supportive workplace cultures. Witnesses recommended several actions for the government, including regulating online disinformation, investing in research and education, and providing sustained funding for women's rights organizations. They also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of anti-feminist ideology, such as economic inequality and social isolation. The committee acknowledged the need for further study and discussion to develop effective strategies for combating anti-feminist ideology and promoting gender equality. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the discussion will inform future recommendations.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss concerns about ministers not appearing before the committee to discuss women's safety and related Criminal Code matters. Dominique Vien, a Conservative member, introduced a motion expressing disappointment that the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Justice had not accepted invitations to appear. She emphasized the importance of their input for upcoming recommendations, especially given rising crime rates. Other committee members debated whether the ministers had actually refused or if it was a scheduling issue. Jessica Fancy, a Liberal member, proposed amendments to the motion, suggesting the ministers hadn't refused outright and that scheduling conflicts were the main issue. She suggested adjusting the timeline of the study to accommodate the ministers' schedules. Other members discussed the possibility of pausing the current study to allow time for the ministers to appear, or conducting concurrent studies to fill the gap. Some members emphasized the urgency of addressing women's safety concerns and the need for the ministers to be held accountable. Ultimately, the committee agreed to adjourn the debate on the motion and proceed with a planned panel of witnesses to discuss anti-feminist ideology. The committee heard testimony from experts on the impact of anti-feminist ideology on mental health, particularly among youth, and the challenges faced by women in STEM fields. The witnesses emphasized the importance of media literacy, positive role models, and addressing the underlying messages of masculine inadequacy. The committee plans to continue the study at a future meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss section 810 of the Criminal Code, which deals with peace bonds, and its impact on women's safety. Witnesses shared their experiences and offered suggestions for improvement. The committee heard that peace bonds are not always effective in protecting women from violence, especially when conditions are not enforced. They explored the idea of criminalizing coercive control and improving data collection and information sharing between different parts of the justice system. Julie St-Pierre Gaudreault and Manon Monastesse from the Fédération des maisons d'hébergement pour femmes, highlighted the problems with enforcing peace bond conditions. They noted that police often don't take breaches of conditions seriously, and sometimes encourage women to apply for peace bonds themselves instead of the police doing it. They suggested that breaching a peace bond condition should automatically lead to arrest and detention. Hilda Anderson-Pyrz from the National Family and Survivors Circle, spoke about the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women and girls, emphasizing the need for culturally safe and trauma-informed responses. She proposed expanding section 810 to include coercive control and improving information sharing. Brian Sauvé, president of the National Police Federation, acknowledged the need for better resources, communication, and enforcement of peace bonds. He suggested investing in monitoring systems, modernizing privacy laws to allow for better information sharing, and increasing resources for police in rural and remote areas. Marie-Claude Richer and Catherine Ahélo from Rebâtir, a law firm for victims, advocated for criminalizing coercive control and treating intimate partner violence as first-degree murder. They also pointed out the difficulties victims face in applying for peace bonds and the need for a safety net during legal proceedings. Committee members discussed the effectiveness of current laws and the need for better enforcement. They explored ideas such as creating a registry for violent men, improving training for police officers, and addressing systemic racism in the justice system. There was also discussion about Bill C-14, which aims to strengthen bail conditions for those accused of intimate partner violence. Witnesses emphasized the importance of data collection and information sharing to improve the response to violence against women. The committee did not make any decisions during the meeting. The plan is to meet again to discuss scheduling ministers to appear and address motions related to the topic.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss Section 810 of the Criminal Code, which deals with peace bonds, and how it relates to women's safety. The committee wanted to understand how effective peace bonds are in preventing violence against women and what improvements could be made. Witnesses included representatives from legal clinics, victim services, and police forces. They shared their experiences and offered recommendations for strengthening the system. Deepa Mattoo from the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic talked about the limitations of peace bonds, such as short durations and failure to address coercive control. She suggested a trauma-informed approach that includes social support like housing and childcare. Karine Gagnon from the Crime Victims Assistance Centres Network emphasized the need to consider victims' rights and freedoms, and suggested reversing the burden of proof in cases of non-compliance with peace bond conditions. Laio Auger, a detective with the Montreal police, highlighted the importance of early intervention and the need for better access to peace bonds. Jennifer Davis, a deputy chief with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, discussed the effectiveness of peace bonds in lower-risk situations and the importance of early intervention programs. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including the effectiveness of GPS monitoring, the impact of the Jordan decision on domestic violence cases, and the role of financial coercion in abusive relationships. There was a discussion about whether to criminalize coercive control and whether mandatory minimum sentences should be reinstated for certain crimes against women. Witnesses emphasized the importance of training for police officers and other professionals to better understand and address domestic violence. Several witnesses highlighted the importance of partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and social services to provide comprehensive support for victims and prevent violence. The committee acknowledged the need for more resources and funding for these programs. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee will continue its study of Section 810 and women's safety at a future meeting. Overall, the meeting highlighted the complexities of addressing violence against women and the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes legal reforms, training, and social support.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss the main estimates for 2025-26, focusing on the Department for Women and Gender Equality. Minister Rechie Valdez highlighted a proposed $660.5 million investment over five years to advance gender equality, support women's programs, address gender-based violence, and strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ community initiatives. She emphasized the importance of these investments for a safer and more prosperous Canada. Committee members questioned the Minister about budget cuts, performance indicators, and the effectiveness of current programs. Conservative committee members, such as Dominique Vien, raised concerns about planned budget cuts to the Department for Women and Gender Equality, despite rising rates of violence against women. They questioned the Minister about the contradiction between announced investments and reported budget reductions. The Minister defended the investments, stating they would provide stable funding for women and gender equality initiatives. Deputy Minister Frances McRae clarified that figures on the department's website reflected previous decisions and did not account for the proposed budget. Liberal committee members, including Iqra Khalid and Jessica Fancy, focused on the positive impacts of the proposed investments and the importance of gender-based analysis in government decision-making. They questioned the Minister about how the funding would support women's organizations and address gender-based violence in rural areas. The Minister highlighted the role of her ministry in ensuring the inclusive participation of women in the economy and addressing gender-based violence. Bloc Québécois committee members, like Andréanne Larouche, expressed skepticism about the government's strategy of announcing measures before the budget is tabled. They questioned the Minister about the stability of funding and the potential impact of staff reductions on services for women who are victims of violence. The committee also discussed the need for collaboration with provinces and territories to address issues such as delays in building women's shelters. Ultimately, the committee discussed the allocation of resources to address gender-based violence, promote women's economic security, and support 2SLGBTQI+ communities. While the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to these issues, committee members raised concerns about budget cuts, performance measurement, and the effectiveness of current programs. The committee adjourned with plans to continue examining these issues in future meetings.