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The Honourable Premier Smith, E.C.A., M.L.A.
Premier of Alberta
Dear Premier Smith,
Re: IPV Epidemic
I’m reaching out today, during the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, to urge your government to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic.
Unifor has long understood the importance of supporting workers beyond the workplace, and we see how members are affected by the increasing prevalence and severity of IPV in Canada. Intimate partner violence grew dramatically during pandemic lockdowns and has not subsided. IPV has been and remains a serious threat to the well-being and lives of women across the world.
Declaring IPV to be an epidemic underscores its severity, promotes greater awareness, and advocates for a comprehensive response from both public health authorities and policymakers. This is a recommendation included in the National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Girls as well as Ontario’s Renfrew Inquest Report and the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission Report.
In Canada, one woman is killed by an intimate or former intimate partner every six days. Almost half – 44 per cent – of Canadian women report having been subjected to some form of IPV and are disproportionately victimized by the most severe forms of abuse.
This is a widespread public health emergency that needs to be declared an epidemic. People experiencing IPV are at higher risk of experiencing poor general health, mental health challenges including depression, cognitive impairment, and poor academic performance.
To address the urgency of this issue, we ask that you immediately take steps to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. By recognizing it as an epidemic, your government can deliver resources and funding for prevention, education, and support services.
Your party identified the need to improve healthcare for women and children in the most recent election. In the 2024-25 budget, you made important investments to build new shelter beds in shelters across the province. This was the first time in a very long time that shelter funding was increased. It is incredibly important but not sufficient to end intimate partner violence.
Declaring IPV an epidemic will ensure that additional public health resources are available and driven towards the prevention of intimate partner violence while also supporting survivors and their children. Unifor is committed to furthering this goal, and to continuing to not only support survivors, but to prevent further violence.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I would be happy to further discuss these matters with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Lana Payne Gavin McGarrigle
Unifor National President Unifor Western Regional Director
