I was honoured to mark a significant milestone as major legislative reforms to strengthen protections against intimate partner violence officially became law in Canada. 

These reforms recognize femicide as first-degree murder and introduce stronger legal protections for survivors of intimate partner violence, reflecting our government's commitment to building a country where women, girls, and gender-diverse people can live free from violence and fear. 

As Minister for Women and Gender Equality, I know that addressing gender-based violence requires more than legislation alone. It requires continued collaboration with survivors, advocates, frontline organizations, Indigenous partners, and communities across Canada to prevent violence, support those affected, and create lasting systemic change. 

While this legislation represents meaningful progress, our work is not finished. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home, workplace, and community, and our government remains committed to advancing policies that protect survivors, hold offenders accountable, and help end gender-based violence in all its forms. 

Thank you to the survivors, advocates, organizations, and partners whose courage, lived experience, and tireless advocacy helped make this important step forward possible.