Alberta unveils 10-year strategy to tackle gender-based violence
Alberta has announced a 10-year strategy to tackle gender-based violence with an emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
At a press conference on Thursday, Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir unveiled a strategy that aims to provide immediate, short-term, and long-term solutions, including the expansion of support and annual reporting on the rate of gender-based violence.
Fir said the strategy has more than 100 actions to address and prevent gender-based violence and called it the 'most comprehensive' strategy of its kind in Canada.
'Alberta's government is striving to create a future where gender based violence is rare and, when it does occur, it doesn't repeat,' Fir said.
In 2023, the province surveyed 1,192 Albertans and consulted with 500 individuals and organizations to develop the strategy.
The strategy aims to bridge gaps in policy and legislation, pointing to various government bodies having responsibilities for specific aspects of gender-based violence.
Under the 10-year strategy, the province outlined five key priorities — increasing awareness of gender-based violence, preventing gender-based violence, supporting Indigenous-led solutions, empowering women to be economically independent and supporting survivors and those impacted.
Each priority outlines immediate solutions to be implemented in 2025, short-term solutions to be implemented in 2026-2027, medium-term solutions to be implemented in 2028-2029, and long-term solutions to be implemented in 2030-2035.
The immediate solutions include supporting campaigns to raise awareness of gender-based violence, some targeted towards men and boys, supporting Indigenous-led programs to increase the safety of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, fund a 24-7 childcare pilot program supporting parents in skilled trades and other shift professions, and assisting survivors with housing expenses.
The province is also looking to increase access to sexual assault care, expand services to rural communities and develop a centralized platform for sexual assault support services. The strategy will provide additional training for health care providers and law enforcement in the coming years.
In 2026-2027, the province plans to support programming for disproportionately impacted groups, including those with disabilities, LGBTQ+, newcomers, Indigenous and racialized people.
Officials said the province will create a new deputy minister-level committee on gender-based violence to guide the implementation of the strategy. The committee's main objective will be to enhance data collection.
The province currently gets the majority of its data from Statistics Canada, along with some additional data from internal tracking done in ministries.
Annual reporting on rates of gender-based violence in Alberta will come as early as 2026, according to the report. Between 2030-2035, the province plans to collect data and research about the impacts of gender-based violence on Indigenous people.
According to the province, Alberta has the third-highest rate of gender-related homicides in Canada. In 2023, Statistics Canada reported 385 cases of intimate partner violence for every 100,000 people in Alberta, translating to approximately 18,800 cases in a single year.
There were 931 Aboriginal Alerts issued in Alberta in 2022 for missing Indigenous people, according to the report. Of those reports, 76 are still missing and 15 are deceased.
According to the province, it has invested $188 million annually in programs and services related to combating and responding to gender-based violence.
Alberta signed a four-year bilateral agreement with the federal government in 2023 to support and implement a 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence. The federal government will be providing $54 million over four years.
Alberta NDP status of women critic Julia Hayter said the announcement 'does nothing' for women fleeing violence today and said the province should have begun implementing solutions 18 months ago.
'I honestly believe that they should have started doing this work when they were elected,' Hayter said.
'We have been seeing a rise in intensity of violence to women right now that are fleeing gender violence. I've been told by many shelters that they're shutting down their beds because there's not enough funding.'
ctran@postmedia.com
X: @kccindytran
'No one deserves to be abused': Rise in children turned away from Alberta shelters highlights domestic violence crisis
Opinion: Domestic violence is predictable — and preventable
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Premier Smith visits rural Alberta to lend voice to local byelection candidate
THREE HILLS - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is winning applause but also facing pointed questions from party members ahead of three byelections. Smith, in her role as United Conservative leader, appeared at a town hall meeting attended by about 300 in Three Hills Monday. She came with Tara Sawyer, who is running under the party banner in the June 23 byelection in the area. Smith was applauded for policies including a demanding a better deal from the federal government, her government's income tax cut, her vow to protect unvaccinated Albertans from discrimination, and new rules including a ban on transgender athletes in women's sport. 'Ten years of (federal) Liberal policies have gotten us nowhere,' Smith told the crowd. 'Alberta will move forward with confidence and clarity. We will develop our economy. We will exercise our constitutional rights, we will forge the future that Alberta deserves.' Sawyer is running in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills against Bev Toews of the NDP, Cameron Davies of the Republican Party of Alberta, and Bill Tufts of the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition. Davies has criticized the UCP for failing to agree to a byelection debate while the UCP said it wasn't possible due to a scheduling conflict. Davies said the UCP was dodging accountability and democracy and avoiding the elephant in the room: talk of Alberta independence. Sawyer disagreed, telling the crowd, 'Some forces are trying to divide us and split the vote. We cannot let that happen.' Not everyone was on side. Jon Sedore, a longtime UCP member who lives in the nearby town of Trochu, said that argument doesn't hold water. 'We're in the most conservative riding of Alberta and of Canada, so I'm not concerned about the NDP here,' he said in an interview. He said he doesn't think Sawyer and the UCP have been clear about where they stand on separation, and he doesn't like Smith appointing Sawyer rather than holding a candidate race. 'I don't like the top-down approach,' he said, while also expressing strong support for Smith and her efforts to exercise more constitutional rights for the province. Sedore said questions about Alberta's independence should be answered by all candidates so voters know where they each stand. Smith has long held that she wants to see Alberta remain in Canada, but recently passed legislation to lower the threshold for citizens to spark a referendum on leaving Confederation. She's also noted that her party wanted to move quickly to have a candidate in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills in place in order to save taxpayers' money by holding the vote in conjunction with byelections in Edmonton Strathcona and Edmonton Ellerslie. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is running in Edmonton Strathcona to gain a seat in the legislature about a year after winning the party's top job. The Edmonton-Ellerslie byelection is to replace NDP member Rod Loyola. He stepped down earlier this year to run in the federal election. Sawyer, speaking with The Canadian Press, echoed Smith's stance, saying she's fighting for a strong, sovereign Alberta within Canada, but it's up to the people to decide whether a referendum is held. 'I understand we're in a pressure cooker situation. I think it's important for (Albertans) to know that they are being heard,' she said. Sawyer, a farmer and former chair of the Grain Growers of Canada, said Davies' suggestion that she is the UCP's hand-picked 'Ottawa-first' candidate is 'hogwash.' 'I have raised my family here. I grew up here, and my entire life has been to be a voice to improve my community,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand
Electricity Alliance of Canada, an electricity industry coalition, outlines five priorities to secure clean, reliable energy and support Canada's economic future OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's electricity sector is calling on the newly elected federal government to develop a bold and immediate plan when it comes to electricity in Canada. This is urgently needed to meet growing demand, secure the country's economic future and become an energy superpower. Last week, the federal government introduced the One Canadian Economy Act, which highlighted the need for building projects in the national interest. There is no greater national interest project than building Canada's electricity grid. The electricity sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With climate change accelerating, global energy dynamics shifting, electricity demand increasing and potential U.S. tariffs looming, Canada cannot afford to lose its strategic energy advantage. Canadians expect affordable, reliable and secure power—and the electricity industry is committed to delivering it. Canada's economy was built on dependable power. Today, more than 60 per cent of electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, with nuclear, wind, solar, and energy storage playing growing and essential roles. Yet current electricity production—around 630 terawatt-hours annually—will not meet future needs. As industries electrify, manufacturing returns, and the economy becomes more digital, pressure on electricity systems will grow significantly. To meet this growing demand, substantial investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution are essential—not only to keep the lights on, but to create jobs and secure long-term prosperity. The electricity sector is urging the new federal government to act on five urgent priorities: Streamline project approvals and clarify investment incentivesThe One Canadian Economy Act promises to accelerate project approvals. This is desperately needed. Slow and uncertain approval processes hinder investment and delay critical projects. The industry needs an efficient, 'one project, one review' process for major electricity projects and a finalized version of the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. On carbon pricing, a flexible approach should support environmental outcomes while ensuring regional fairness and global competitiveness. Partner meaningfully with Indigenous communitiesThe proposed act also promotes the need for Indigenous voices to be heard. Indigenous partnership in clean energy projects is vital to Canada's future, and Indigenous voices must be heard when it comes to energy decisions. The federal government should also expand tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to ensure Indigenous partners can participate fully and on their own terms, supporting reconciliation. Build interprovincial energy corridorsCanada must turn long-standing conversations about interprovincial grid connections into action. The federal government, provinces, Crown corporations and utilities must collaborate to support energy trade, infrastructure development and labour mobility in regulated occupations. Secure electricity supply chainsGlobal supply chains are facing disruption from tariffs, regulation and trade tensions. The federal government must help manage these risks and ensure the resilience of supply chains critical to electricity infrastructure. Invest in workforce developmentThe future grid requires a skilled, well-trained workforce. Continued federal investment in long-term training programs will help produce the tradespeople and engineers needed to support reliable, clean and resilient electricity systems. Affordable, reliable and clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage. The sector has already increased supply while reducing emissions, and is prepared to do even more. The One Canadian Economy Act indicates it's time to focus on "nation-building" projects. Building up the electricity sector—generation, transmission and distribution—not only represents a project in the national interest; it enables all other national interest projects. The electricity sector is ready to get to work on a strong, resilient system to meet growing demand and protect Canada's economic future. Canada needs a bold electricity plan—now. This statement was jointly issued by: Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association Francis Bradley, President and CEO, Electricity Canada Michelle Branigan, CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada George Christidis, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada Lorena Patterson, President and CEO, WaterPower Canada About Electricity Alliance CanadaElectricity Alliance Canada is a coalition of six industry associations promoting the power of electrification to lead the way to a sustainable energy future. Our mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada's net-zero emissions target. SOURCE Electricity Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
University of Arizona faculty say administrator causing severe harm to Native students
Photo by University of Arizona After several Native students at the University of Arizona expressed their concerns about student safety regarding an assistant vice provost, multiple Native faculty members are calling for immediate action from university leadership to ensure that Indigenous students receive the support they need for success. The Native American Faculty Group wrote in a letter to UofA President Dr. Suresh Garimella and other top administrators that 'Tessa L. Dysart is actively causing and has caused severe harm to the UA Native American community' since she was appointed assistant vice provost for the Office of Native American Initiatives (NAI) in 2024. Six Native faculty members wrote that students have approached them since the fall of 2024 to voice their concerns about their safety on campus. 'In our culture, we allow our children to speak, and we listen,' the group wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The faculty members who signed and sent the letter include Karletta Chief (Diné), Andrew Curley (Diné), Stephanie Russo Carroll (Ahtna-Native Village of Kluti-Kaah), Jameson D. Lopez (Quechan), Sheilah E. Nicholas (Hopi) and Valerie Shirley (Diné). As professors, they said that they have witnessed 'disturbing events' that do not align with leading protocols to support Indigenous students in higher education. The letter outlines the concerns raised by students since Dysart took office, including her lack of support for student-led academic work on the Land Back movement, community panels and discussions, and her physical attempt to silence a student during the Tribal Leaders Summit. Nearly 100 people — some faculty, some students, some alumni — have signed onto the letter to back the faculty calling on the university to remove Dysart as assistant vice provost. 'We find Dysart's actions to be unprofessional, misaligned with the interests of students, and, at times, clear attempts at intimidation — behavior that is unbecoming of a senior administrator who claims to advocate for Native American students,' the letter states. Several Native students and staff have shared with the faculty group how Dysart is 'sowing harm, district and division within the UA Native community.' Dysart lacks the qualifications to be the assistant vice provost, according to the faculty group, because she has never worked with Native American student admissions, retention or service programs in higher education, nor has she published any work related to Native American student retention or advancement. During Dysart's interview process, the faculty group alleged that she claimed to have longstanding relationships with Native law students, but they had consistently heard otherwise from the Native law community. 'Dysart's portrayal of her experience is misleading,' they wrote, adding that she has worked at UofA since 2017 but only became involved with the Native Faculty Group within the past three years. Dysart has no prior connection with the Native American communities at UA, in Tucson, Arizona or the Southwest, according to the faculty group. The faculty group also expressed concerns about leaders in the Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement (NAATE) office, including Levi Esquerra and Kari McCormick. Due to the ongoing concerns involving NAI and NAATE leadership, the faculty group said they cannot in 'good faith' recommend UofA to Indigenous students. The group wrote that they would rather refer Indigenous students to Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University due to the well-qualified administrators running their Native American initiatives. Dysart lacks the stellar reputation and qualifications of the Native Higher Administrators at ASU or NAU, according to the faculty group, and she does not possess the qualifications of many researchers in Native American education. 'Dysart earns $167,116 per year, yet there is no accountability, review, or annual reports showing her performance serving Native American faculty and staff,' the letter states. 'We have no confidence in Tessa Dysart.' The Arizona Mirror reached out to UofA and Dysart for comment, but did not receive a response. As part of the letter, the faculty group shared their disappointment in the consolidation of the Native American Student Affairs cultural center and the termination of its director, Julian Juan. Under Juan's leadership, the faculty group said that the Indigenous community at the University of Arizona has had only positive experiences. 'As a tight-knit community, we have consistently witnessed Juan's advocacy in fostering a safe and supportive space at NASA even as Dysart, Esquerra and McCormick contribute to a climate of hostility,' the letter said, noting that Juan is one of only three Tohono O'odham directors in the history of Native American Student Affairs, which is commonly referred to as NASA. 'In contrast to Dysart, Juan has deep connections and experience with tribal leaders and the local community,' the faculty wrote. 'Juan understands the importance of creating culturally appropriate programs and activities that create a sense of belonging for Native American students struggling to find their place and belonging within the Wildcat community.' UofA fired Juan on May 27. The university wrote in his termination letter that he failed to fulfill his duties as director. The faculty group expressed appreciation that NASA will continue to exist, but they 'adamantly oppose' moving it under Dysart's supervision at NAI, citing students' consistent concerns about their safety around her and her limited experience in student affairs. The faculty group is calling on Patricia Prelock, the new provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at UofA, to return NASA under the office of the provost, remove Dysart, reinstate Juan, reopen the NAI assistant vice provost position, create a Native American Faculty Council and maintain the Native American Community Council. 'As members of sovereign tribal nations that have nation-to-nation relationships with the United States federal government, we ask you to respect our sovereignty and fulfill our requests,' they said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
