NS Federation of Labour Calls for immediate passage of Gender-Based Violence Prevention Funding Act

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour supports the Gender-based Violence Prevention Funding Act Bill #2 introduced by the Nova Scotia NDP. As representatives of working people across our province, we recognize that gender-based violence affects our members not only in their homes but also in their workplaces and communities. The epidemic of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia demands immediate action. This legislation, if enacted, will provide stable funding for prevention and support services. It also ensures community oversight through an inclusive advisory board. The bill also asks for, and is much needed, funding, sustainable funding for shelters, transition housing, women’s centres, and advocacy work. This Bill addresses the critical infrastructure needed to support survivors and prevent future violence.

Let’s be clear: society cannot thrive when violence endangers the safety and security of our homes and families. We know that gender-based violence directly impacts our workplaces and the mental health of families and our children. It creates economic instability that affects workers’ abilities to keep a job. The specific provisions for representation from 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, and African Nova Scotian communities on the advisory board is very important. This inclusive approach ensures that funding decisions will be informed by those with lived experience and frontline expertise. It’s essential to support the bill because it’s inclusive and challenges the government’s stance on special interest groups; they are not.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour calls all MLAs to support this crucial legislation. We commit to mobilizing our membership to advocate for its passage, educating workers about the impacts of gender-based violence, and building coalitions with community organizations to strengthen support services across our province. Gender-based violence is a workplace issue, a community issue, and a labour issue.

The time for comprehensive action is now. We urge our elected leaders in the Nova Scotia Legislature to pass this NDP Bill without delay, demonstrating that our MLAs can work together and that Nova Scotia takes seriously its responsibility to protect all citizens from violence and to support survivors in rebuilding their lives.