Status of Women

This Canadian parliamentary committee meeting focused on the important topic of women's shelters and transitional housing, with a special emphasis on the challenges faced by different groups of women. The committee also briefly discussed the budget for a future study on menopause and set a deadline for public submissions on that topic. Key speakers included Debbie Zweep from Faye Peterson House, Claudine Thibaudeau from SOS violence conjugale, and Nneka MacGregor and Sonya Boyce from the Women's Centre for Social Justice. Ms. Zweep highlighted the success of building second-stage housing using a modular approach, which saved costs, but stressed the urgent need for ongoing operational funding for these shelters. She also spoke about the difficulties women face in custody battles and the high rates of human trafficking in Thunder Bay, her community. Ms. Thibaudeau presented alarming statistics, revealing that less than half of women seeking emergency shelter in Quebec can be placed, and only about one in five can find a spot in their local area. She also noted a rise in requests for help with coercive control and tech-enabled violence, and emphasized the need for more prevention work, especially for young people. Ms. MacGregor and Ms. Boyce shared findings from their research on Black survivors of gender-based violence, highlighting that these women often face increased scrutiny and racial bias when seeking help. They also pointed out the lack of culturally appropriate services and the importance of kinship networks for Black survivors. No formal decisions were made during this meeting regarding the study on shelters, as it was part of an ongoing discussion. However, the committee did agree to adopt the budget for the future study on menopause and set September 30 as the deadline for public submissions on that topic. The discussion with witnesses underscored the critical need for more funding for shelters, improved access to justice, and culturally sensitive services for all women, especially those from marginalized communities.

The committee met to discuss the urgent need for more funding and housing options for women and children escaping violence, including those affected by human trafficking. Witnesses highlighted that shelters are severely underfunded and operating over capacity, forcing many women and children to stay in unsafe situations or return to abusive partners due to a lack of affordable and suitable housing. Marilyn Matheson from Harmony House Shelter shared that families are staying in shelters for years, impacting children's development and mental health. Élise Brien and Annick Brazeau from Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale spoke about chronic underfunding in Quebec and the complex process of building new shelters. Aline Nizigama from YWCA Canada emphasized that shelters are operating far beyond their funded capacity and called for dedicated funding and better coordination to move survivors into permanent housing. Kirsten Mercer, a lawyer and policy expert, argued that current funding models for gender-based violence services are outdated and inadequate. Carol Wildgoose from a safe house initiative in York Region detailed the unique and unmet needs of sex trafficking survivors, highlighting the difficulties in securing funding for specialized housing. Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John from Women's Support Network of York Region connected housing insecurity and poverty directly to gender-based violence, stressing that many survivors are turned away or return to violence because they have nowhere safe to go. She also noted that one woman is killed by her partner, on average, once a week in Canada. While no formal decisions were made by the committee during this testimony session, witnesses strongly recommended several next steps. These included increasing federal investment in affordable and supportive housing, creating a dedicated program for shelter construction, renewing and fully funding the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, and establishing a Gender-Based Violence Commissioner. They also called for fast-tracking housing projects, addressing systemic barriers like lack of child care and legal aid, and focusing on prevention efforts.

This Canadian parliamentary committee meeting focused on the critical role and challenges faced by women's shelters and transitional housing across Canada, especially in rural areas. The committee heard from several executive directors of women's shelters and support organizations, who highlighted the severe impact of the housing crisis and rising cost of living on their services and the women they serve. Key speakers included Catherine Champagne from the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters, Erin Lee from Lanark County Interval House and Community Support, Sunder Singh from Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, Julia Fiddes from The Denise House, and Kim Decker from YWCA Cambridge. They all emphasized that shelters are operating at or beyond capacity, leading to thousands of turnaways. They explained that women are staying longer in shelters because they cannot find safe and affordable housing to move into, effectively turning emergency shelters into long-term housing solutions. This creates a bottleneck, preventing new women and children fleeing violence from accessing safety. The witnesses also discussed the interconnectedness of gender-based violence, housing insecurity, and poverty. They pointed out that the justice system often fails survivors, and that transportation is a major barrier for women in rural and remote communities trying to access services. Several speakers proposed solutions, including increased investment in deeply affordable and supportive housing, stronger funding for shelters and transitional housing, and support for transportation solutions. Sunder Singh specifically advocated for integrating skilled trades training into shelter programs to empower women with stable careers. Regarding next steps, the committee agreed to add another meeting to this study due to the importance and complexity of the topic. They also decided to dedicate their June 18th meeting to continuing the study on women's shelters, with the understanding that both this study and a separate study on menopause would need to be continued in the fall. The committee also plans to discuss a report on seniors, following the conclusion of hearings on that topic.

This meeting of the Status of Women committee focused on the challenges faced by women's shelters and transitional housing in Canada, especially for survivors of gender-based violence. The committee heard from experts about the need for better support systems and housing solutions for women fleeing abuse. Key speakers included Andrea Silverstone from Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society, Marc Hull-Jacquin from Shelter Movers, and Anuradha Dugal from Women's Shelters Canada. Ms. Silverstone highlighted that the current system often mixes the need for immediate safety with the need for stable housing, leading to shelters being overwhelmed. She suggested creating separate housing options for women who don't need emergency shelter but still need help finding a safe home. Mr. Hull-Jacquin emphasized the importance of listening to survivors' needs and providing practical support like moving and storage services, which can be a huge barrier to leaving an abusive relationship. Ms. Dugal pointed out that shelters are doing more with less funding, and the lack of affordable housing means women stay longer in shelters, leading to high turn-away rates. Committee members asked about specific issues like the vulnerability of senior women, victims of human trafficking, and the safety concerns within some shelters. Ms. Silverstone agreed that the definition of coercive control should be expanded beyond intimate partners to protect seniors and others. All three witnesses agreed that bail reform is needed to better protect women from violent offenders. They also discussed the need for more stable, multi-year funding for support organizations and better wages for workers in the sector. The experts proposed several next steps: strengthening shelters for those at highest risk, developing separate housing pathways for others, investing in community-based support, and reducing unnecessary disruptions to allow women to stay in their homes if safe. They also called for portable housing benefits to be more accessible and for the federal government to support innovative practices and address regional differences in service availability. The discussion also touched on the need for educational initiatives to change societal attitudes towards gender-based violence.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss the proposed budget for the Department for Women and Gender Equality for 2026-2027. The meeting covered a range of topics, including gender-based violence, human trafficking, homelessness among senior women, and support for women entrepreneurs. Minister Rechie Valdez, along with Deputy Minister Frances McRae and Assistant Deputy Minister Etienne-René Massie, answered questions from committee members. The committee also heard from Assistant Deputy Minister Gail Mitchell during the second hour of the meeting. Minister Valdez highlighted the government's commitment to gender equality and efforts to combat gender-based violence, including proposed law C-16, which aims to address femicide and coercive control. Committee members raised concerns about the rising rates of violence against women, the affordability of baby formula, and the challenges faced by senior women, particularly those experiencing homelessness. There was discussion on the implementation of recommendations from a previous committee report on human trafficking, with some members expressing frustration over the lack of progress. Several committee members questioned the Minister and Deputy Minister on the effectiveness of current strategies and funding allocations. Some members felt that the government's responses were inadequate, especially regarding the rising cost of living and its impact on vulnerable women. The committee also discussed the importance of engaging young men and boys in efforts to prevent gender-based violence and the need for stable, long-term funding for women's organizations. Deputy Minister McRae spoke about the department's efforts to incorporate gender-based analysis into government policies and programs. Assistant Deputy Minister Massie discussed programs to support women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas. The committee voted on the proposed budget for the Department for Women and Gender Equality, approving both operating expenditures and grants and contributions. The committee agreed to report the main estimates to the House of Commons. They also set deadlines for upcoming studies on menopause and women's shelters, and planned to discuss reports on anti-feminist ideology and senior women at future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss the abuse and financial vulnerability of senior women. Witnesses from the National Seniors Council and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provided insights and recommendations. The committee members explored ways to protect senior women from fraud and financial exploitation, focusing on prevention, reporting, and support systems. Pamela Williamson and Christine Kelly from the National Seniors Council highlighted the importance of addressing financial insecurity and social isolation among senior women. They suggested a multi-sector approach involving financial institutions, community organizations, and government support. They also mentioned the need for consumer protection against high-pressure sales tactics and the importance of grassroots organizations in providing support. Chris Lynam, Director General of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, discussed the RCMP's efforts to combat cybercrime and fraud targeting seniors. He emphasized early intervention, public education, and collaboration with various partners, including financial institutions and community groups. He also highlighted the new public reporting website for fraud and cybercrime. Committee members raised concerns about the accessibility of reporting systems for seniors, especially those in rural areas or with limited digital literacy. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including the impact of delayed pension payments, the role of financial institutions in preventing fraud, and the effectiveness of current support systems. They also discussed the need for a national anti-fraud strategy and a code of conduct for financial institutions. The committee explored potential legislative measures to protect vulnerable Canadians from financial abuse. The committee identified the need for more resources, better data collection, and enhanced collaboration among different sectors to address the financial vulnerability of senior women. They also emphasized the importance of raising awareness and providing support to victims of fraud.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss the financial vulnerability and abuse faced by senior women in Canada. Witnesses from various organizations shared their expertise and proposed solutions to address these issues. The committee heard about the challenges faced by caregivers, the impact of fraud on seniors, and the tax inequities faced by single senior women. They also discussed the need for culturally sensitive support and the importance of addressing systemic barriers that contribute to financial vulnerability. James Janeiro from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence spoke about the financial pressures faced by caregivers, particularly older women. He suggested converting the Canada caregiver credit into a refundable tax credit and developing a national caregiving strategy. Norma Dubé from the Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada discussed the increasing rates of fraud and family violence against seniors, with women being disproportionately affected. She emphasized the need for awareness campaigns and addressing the isolation of seniors. Elizabeth Brown from Single Seniors for Tax Fairness highlighted the tax inequities faced by single senior women compared to couples. She proposed changes to the tax system to address these inequities and provide more financial support for solo seniors. Marta Hajek from Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario emphasized that financial abuse of older women is a form of gender-based violence and coercive control. She advocated for strengthening systemic first points of contact and reducing barriers to reporting abuse. Patricia McAuliffe from the National Pensioners Federation called for the appointment of a federal minister for seniors, the establishment of independent seniors' advocates in every province, the implementation of national standards for long-term care, and federal support for a UN convention on the rights of older persons. Doris Rajan from the New Society Institute discussed the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of senior women and addressing the historical systems of exclusion that contribute to their vulnerability. The committee members discussed potential solutions, such as increasing old age security, improving access to government benefits, and providing more support for caregivers. They also explored the need for culturally sensitive programs and services to address the specific needs of marginalized senior women. The committee will continue its study on this issue and consider the recommendations made by the witnesses in its report.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss issues related to the abuse and financial vulnerability of senior women, and also to study a proposed law to amend criminal and correctional matters. The first part of the meeting focused on hearing from witnesses about the challenges faced by older women, especially regarding financial abuse, caregiving, and systemic inequalities. Bénédicte Schoepflin from the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse emphasized the need for a coordinated federal approach to prevent elder abuse and strengthen support systems. Loriane Estienne from Proche aidance Québec highlighted the financial hardships faced by family caregivers and the importance of recognizing their role in preventing elder abuse. Deborah Rose from the Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre shared insights on the unique challenges faced by Indigenous senior women, including financial pressures, isolation, and lack of culturally safe supports. Committee members asked questions about coercive control, caregiver burnout, and the impact of inflation on seniors' fixed incomes. The second part of the meeting involved a discussion with the Minister of Justice, Sean Fraser, regarding a proposed law called the Protecting Victims Act. Minister Fraser explained that the proposed law aims to strengthen criminal laws, support law enforcement and community organizations, and prevent violence and crime. Key aspects of the proposed law include creating a new offense for femicide, addressing coercive control, restoring mandatory minimums for certain penalties, and dealing with the creation and distribution of intimate images using artificial intelligence. Committee members raised concerns about court delays, the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, and the scope of the proposed law in addressing elder abuse. Minister Fraser defended the proposed law, emphasizing its potential to protect women and children from violence and exploitation. He acknowledged the need for a broader strategy that includes support for frontline services and investments in community health. Committee members also discussed the importance of addressing systemic issues and ensuring that the proposed law is constitutionally sound. The committee discussed the importance of data collection and culturally safe policies to address the unique needs of diverse groups of senior women. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further study the proposed law and work towards solutions to ensure the safety, autonomy, and dignity of older women in Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women met to discuss the abuse and financial vulnerability of senior women. The committee heard from several organizations, including the Association féministe d'éducation et d'action sociale (AFEAS), the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, and the Sai Dham Food Bank, about the challenges senior women face, such as lower retirement income, lack of recognition for unpaid work, social isolation, and various forms of abuse. Witnesses provided recommendations to the committee on how to address these issues. Lise Courteau from AFEAS highlighted the need for changes to retirement programs using a gender-based analysis and suggested that retirement plans should be based on personal income rather than family income. Meseret Haileyesus from the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment emphasized the importance of addressing economic abuse and injustice through research, education, financial empowerment, and policy influencing. Vishal Khanna from the Sai Dham Food Bank shared observations about the growing number of senior women relying on food banks and the challenges they face in accessing healthcare and social support. During the meeting, committee members asked questions about the structural differences between single seniors and senior couples, the impact of rising costs of living on those nearing retirement, and the role of community agencies in helping senior women. Witnesses emphasized the importance of providing trauma-informed financial education, protecting federal income support programs, and investing in community-based organizations that support senior women. The committee also discussed the need for a national strategy to address the needs of older adults, particularly women, and the importance of considering the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ2IA+ seniors. The committee also heard from the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, the National Association of Federal Retirees, and the National Institute on Ageing. These witnesses discussed financial abuse, retirement income security, and the gender dimensions of aging. They recommended strengthening the national response to economic abuse, protecting federal income programs, and committing sustainable funding to organizations working to prevent and respond to economic abuse. They also suggested a pension delay guarantee to increase lifetime retirement income for low- to middle-income households. The committee agreed to receive written submissions from witnesses who were unable to fully address questions during the meeting. The committee will use the information gathered during the meeting to inform its ongoing study of the abuse and financial vulnerability of senior 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.