Ontario NDP applauds historic declaration of Intimate Partner Violence by Nova Scotia New Democrats

WINDSOR – MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) released the following statement after Nova Scotia adopted a bill to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic in the province - a bill almost identical to one from the Ontario NDP:

“It's incredibly meaningful to see Intimate Partner Violence declared an epidemic in Nova Scotia, as an important step in taking the issue seriously and protecting people from harm. This advocacy work is incredibly important, and it makes a real difference. I want to thank UNIFOR in particular for their instrumental advocacy, both in Nova Scotia and in Ontario.

"I’m heartened to see this bill pass in Nova Scotia, knowing that we have a similar bill in Ontario that’s just waiting to be passed by Ford. The wait has been long enough. Once again I'm calling on Ford to quit playing games and declare an epidemic in Ontario. Let's join Nova Scotia and protect people across this province from IPV.”

Background

• The Ontario NDP tabled a bill to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in April 2024
• After dismissing the need for this legislation for months prior, Ford’s politicians tentatively backed the bill, but have since tied it up in red tape for months
• Nova Scotia’s Conservative politicians were also initially resistant but changed their minds to support this important New Democratic legislation.