MPP Gretzky calls out government’s continued refusal to declare IPV an epidemic

QUEEN’S PARK – This morning, Shadow Minister for Children, Community and Social Services Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) once again called on the Doug Ford government to take meaningful action on intimate partner violence (IPV) by declaring it an epidemic in Ontario. The Conservatives refused — for the fifth time — to support this simple yet vital declaration.

The Ford government had brought forward a unanimous consent motion to declare IPV as endemic. Gretzky rose immediately to request unanimous consent for the government to declare IPV what it truly is — an epidemic. The Ford government benches said no.

“Women and gender-diverse people are being killed at an alarming rate. Rates of intimate partner and gender-based violence continue to climb. Families and communities across Ontario are demanding that the Ford government take this crisis seriously,” said Gretzky. “Declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic is not just symbolic. It’s the first step toward coordinated, properly funded action to save lives.”

Across Ontario, 106 municipalities, over 150 organizations, and numerous police associations have already declared IPV an epidemic and are urging the Ford government to do the same. Despite this overwhelming support, the Conservatives have consistently refused to acknowledge the scope and urgency of this public health crisis.

“Local leaders, advocates, and survivors are united in calling for change,” Gretzky continued. “This government’s continuous refusal to make this declaration shows just how out of touch they are with the realities facing women and families in every community.”

Gretzky and the Ontario NDP continue to stand with victims, survivors, front-line workers, and advocates in demanding that the Ford government declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, and make real investments in prevention, shelter spaces, and survivor supports.