Government delay threatens women’s lives and safety

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, women’s organizations denounce nearly two years of government inaction on a measure designed to save lives 

In December 2023, Bill C-21, reforming the Firearms Act, became law after extensive study in both the House of Commons and the Senate. It contained a simple and essential safeguard: anyone subject to a protection order – often issued in situations of domestic violence – would be ineligible to hold a firearms license while the order is in effect. This measure was designed to quickly remove firearms from the hands of abusers, at the time when they are often the most dangerous. 

Nearly two years later, this measure has not been brought into force.  

Since the passing of bill C-21, at least 11 women and girls have been killed by intimate partner gun violence. How many more that we don’t know about? How many more to come? 

Last March, the government released proposed regulations, but they narrowed the scope of the measure by limiting firearms-licence ineligibility to those under civil protection orders only, excluding criminal ones (“peace bonds”). The government also adopted the interpretation that the ineligibility of people convicted of domestic violence offences to have a firearms license would only apply to people convicted after the coming into force of the provision, as opposed to being retrospective.  

Weakening the law, combined with the ongoing delay, shows a troubling disregard for women’s safety. 

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and as the anniversary of the École Polytechnique antifeminist mass shooting approaches, we call on the Carney government and Public Safety Minister Anandasangaree to show that protecting women and girls is a goal that will no longer be sidelined. 

Failing to implement a democratically adopted measure is not good government. When Parliament adopts essential protections, it is the government’s responsibility to bring them into effect without delay. 

A year ago, family members of victims of femicides gathered in Ottawa to demand action on the implementation of domestic violence provisions in the Firearms Act. How can we still be here today?  

Intimate partner violence is an epidemic in our country. It demands epidemic-level investments, coordinated government responses, improved policies and bold legislative change. Instead, we find ourselves having to fight for the basic implementation of measures the government has already adopted. 

On behalf of women and survivors in Canada, we demand better.  

SIGNATORIES 

National Association of Women and the Law  

Women’s Shelters Canada  

YWCA Canada 

Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) 

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights 

DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada | Réseau d’action des femmes handicapées du Canada 

South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario 

Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) 

Fédération des femmes du Québec 

Women’s National Housing & Homelessness Network 

WomenatthecentrE 

Canadian Council of Muslim Women 

Canadian Women’s Foundation  

AccessBC Campaign 

Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada 

Disability Justice Network of Ontario 

Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women | Institut canadien de recherches sur les femmes 

Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund 

West Coast LEAF