Newfoundland and Labrador Declares Gender-Based Violence an Epidemic. BC Must Follow.

This week, Newfoundland and Labrador officially declared gender-based violence an epidemic and announced the establishment of a task force, becoming the latest province to take this step following similar declarations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 

“Gender-based violence is not an isolated issue, and declaring it an epidemic acknowledges the urgency of this issue and the need for collective action. We all have a role to play in addressing and preventing gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Women and Gender Equality for Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Since 2024, YWCA BC, alongside other anti-violence organizations, has been urging the BC government to declare gender-based violence an epidemic in our province. 

• In November 2024, YWCA BC sent an open letter to the Premier, co-signed by dozens of organizations and thousands of individuals, calling on the provincial government to declare gender-based violence an epidemic in BC. 

• In January 2025, Premier Eby acknowledged that gender-based violence is an epidemic in his mandate letter to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey. While this was a step forward, it did not constitute a formal declaration. 

• In June 2025, a government-commissioned independent review led by Dr. Kim Stanton on how the legal system in BC responds to intimate partner and sexual violence affirmed the urgency of recognizing gender-based violence as an epidemic and establishing legal frameworks to hold government accountable for meaningful reform. 

• Throughout 2025, YWCA BC continued working with partners and advocates across the province to draft a clear and principled declaration outlining the urgent actions needed to address gender-based violence. Together, we called on the provincial government to endorse and adopt it. 

• In April 2026, YWCA BC released The Cost of Inaction: Measuring the Economic Impact of Gender-Based Violence in BC, a report conducted by economist and public policy expert Robin Shaban, which found that gender-based violence costs BC an estimated $1.12 billion every year. 

YWCA BC continues to urge the provincial government to not only declare gender-based violence an epidemic in BC, but also continue the important work of implementing all 21 recommendations in Dr. Stanton’s report. This includes investing in prevention and improved supports for survivors, including housing, enhanced legal aid and culturally safe services. Stronger data collection and accountability measures, including the creation of a gender-based violence commissioner, are also necessary to drive sustained progress.  

Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated, whole-of-government response with action and prioritization across numerous government ministries, sustained investment, and long-term political commitment.