Minister to Lead Intimate Partner Violence Action

Summary#

• Georgina’s Law would keep a national push to prevent intimate partner violence going. It tells the federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality to lead this work, coordinate with others, and report progress to Parliament.

• “Intimate partner” includes a current or former spouse, common‑law partner, or dating partner.

• Key points:

  • The Minister must continue to lead national action to prevent and address intimate partner violence.
  • Each year, the Minister must meet with other federal ministers and provincial ministers responsible for women’s issues.
  • The Minister must also meet regularly with Indigenous partners, victims and survivors, and other community stakeholders (service providers, advocates, experts).
  • These talks must cover how well current programs work, partnerships, costs, and any issues about roles of different governments.
  • Within two years, and then every two years, the Minister must report progress to both Houses of Parliament and post the report online within 30 days.

What it means for you#

• Survivors and families

  • You may see more chances to share your experience and shape services.
  • Over time, programs for safety, protection, and support may improve as gaps are identified.
  • No immediate new benefits or rights are created by this bill.

• Indigenous communities

  • Regular engagement with the federal government is required, which may help align services with community needs.

• Service providers and advocates

  • Expect more structured consultations and partnerships across governments.
  • Opportunities to identify what works, what doesn’t, and where funding or coordination is needed.

• Provinces and territories

  • Annual federal–provincial meetings focused on intimate partner violence, including program performance, costs, and jurisdictional issues.

• General public and taxpayers

  • More transparency through public progress reports every two years.
  • No direct changes to everyday life; this bill focuses on coordination and accountability.

Expenses#

• Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information.
• Likely effects:
  • Adds ongoing coordination, engagement, and reporting duties for the federal department.
  • Any larger funding for programs would be decided separately; this bill does not set new funding levels.

Proponents' View#

• Keeps national focus on preventing intimate partner violence, rather than short-term or one-off efforts.
• Builds stronger cooperation between federal, provincial, and Indigenous partners to avoid gaps in services.
• Ensures survivors and community groups have a regular voice in shaping programs.
• Improves transparency and public accountability through scheduled reports to Parliament and online publication.
• Helps identify what works and where resources should go by reviewing program adequacy and costs.

Opponents' View#

• May add bureaucracy and meetings without guaranteeing new services or funding.
• Could duplicate existing strategies and committees already working on gender-based violence.
• Reporting every two years may be too slow to drive quick changes.
• Raises jurisdiction questions, since provinces run many front-line services; coordination might be complex.
• Consultations could burden small community groups without clear support or outcomes.